ULTY vs VYM
YieldMax Ultra Option Income Strategy ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ULTY | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.30% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $760M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 67.28% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 103 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +6.72% | +14.95% | |
| 1Y Return | -6.35% | +21.14% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.69% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.00% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.9% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -26.9% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | YieldMax ETF | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 28, 2024 | Nov 10, 2006 |
ULTY vs VYM Performance
YieldMax Ultra Option Income Strategy ETF (ULTY) is a ETF from YieldMax ETF and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ULTY returned -6.35% while VYM returned +21.14%. Year to date, ULTY is up 6.72% versus a gain of 14.95% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ULTY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.9% compared with 14.6% for VYM. 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 -58.8% for VYM. 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 0.50. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ULTY charges 1.30% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $130 vs $4 annually, a gap of $126 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ULTY currently yields 67.28% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
ULTY and VYM share 4 holdings out of 625 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ULTY or VYM?
ULTY has an expense ratio of 1.30% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $126 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ULTY or VYM?
Over the past year ULTY returned -6.35% vs +21.14% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), ULTY annualized +2.75% vs +7.01% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ULTY or VYM?
ULTY has been the more volatile fund at 22.9% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: ULTY -26.9% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both ULTY and VYM?
ULTY and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.50, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ULTY and VYM?
ULTY and VYM share 4 common holdings with a 3.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 625 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ULTY or VYM?
ULTY yields 67.28% while VYM yields 2.24%, so ULTY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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