ULTY vs VTI

Quick Verdict

VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.

Lower Fees: VTIHigher Returns: VTIMore Diversified: VTI

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricULTYVTIWinner
Expense Ratio1.30%0.03%
AUM$758M$663.5B
Dividend Yield48.37%1.07%
Holdings993,543
YTD Return+6.26%+14.20%
1Y Return-7.97%+24.16%
3Y Return (annualized)-+21.12%
5Y Return (annualized)-+12.37%
Volatility (annualized)22.9%15.3%
Max Drawdown-26.9%-56.6%
Fund FamilyYieldMax ETFVanguard (US)
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionFeb 28, 2024May 24, 2001

ULTY vs VTI Performance

YieldMax Ultra Option Income Strategy ETF (ULTY) is a ETF from YieldMax ETF and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ULTY returned -7.97% while VTI returned +24.16%. Year to date, ULTY is up 6.26% versus a gain of 14.20% for VTI.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

ULTY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.9% compared with 15.3% for VTI. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.

The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -26.9% for ULTY and -56.6% for VTI. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.

The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

ULTY charges 1.30% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $130 vs $3 annually, a gap of $127 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ULTY currently yields 48.37% against 1.07% for VTI.

Holdings Overlap

14.4%overlap

ULTY and VTI share 20 holdings out of 2789 unique holdings combined, representing a 14.4% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in ULTYWeight in VTIDifference
NVDA5.34%6.32%0.98%
GOOG5.48%2.27%3.21%
AMZN4.00%3.17%0.83%
LRCXProProPro
MSTRProProPro
ADIProProPro
LITEProProPro
PLTRProProPro
CIENProProPro
HOODProProPro
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, ULTY or VTI?

ULTY has an expense ratio of 1.30% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $127 per year of difference.

Which performed better, ULTY or VTI?

Over the past year ULTY returned -7.97% vs +24.16% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), ULTY annualized +2.63% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, ULTY or VTI?

ULTY has been the more volatile fund at 22.9% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: ULTY -26.9% vs VTI -56.6%.

Should I hold both ULTY and VTI?

ULTY and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between ULTY and VTI?

ULTY and VTI share 20 common holdings with a 14.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2789 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, ULTY or VTI?

ULTY yields 48.37% while VTI yields 1.07%, so ULTY currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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