ULTY vs VXUS
ULTY vs VXUS
YieldMax Ultra Option Income Strategy ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ULTY | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.30% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $758M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 48.37% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 99 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +6.26% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | -7.97% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.9% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -26.9% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | YieldMax ETF | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 28, 2024 | Jan 26, 2011 |
ULTY vs VXUS Performance
YieldMax Ultra Option Income Strategy ETF (ULTY) is a ETF from YieldMax ETF and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ULTY returned -7.97% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, ULTY is up 6.26% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ULTY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.9% compared with 15.1% for VXUS. 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 -39.9% for VXUS. 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 0.53. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ULTY charges 1.30% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $130 vs $5 annually, a gap of $125 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ULTY currently yields 48.37% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
ULTY and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7887 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ULTY or VXUS?
ULTY has an expense ratio of 1.30% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $125 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ULTY or VXUS?
Over the past year ULTY returned -7.97% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), ULTY annualized +2.63% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ULTY or VXUS?
ULTY has been the more volatile fund at 22.9% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: ULTY -26.9% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both ULTY and VXUS?
ULTY and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.53, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ULTY and VXUS?
ULTY and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7887 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ULTY or VXUS?
ULTY yields 48.37% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so ULTY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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