UUP vs VYM
Invesco DB US Dollar Index Bullish Fund 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 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | UUP | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.75% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $430M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.26% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +3.95% | +16.78% | |
| 1Y Return | +6.63% | +24.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +2.64% | +18.60% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.70% | +12.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 7.7% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -22.2% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 20, 2007 | Nov 10, 2006 |
UUP vs VYM Performance
Invesco DB US Dollar Index Bullish Fund (UUP) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year UUP returned +6.63% while VYM returned +24.43%. Year to date, UUP is up 3.95% versus a gain of 16.78% for VYM.
Over three years, UUP compounded at +2.64% per year against +18.60% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +4.70% and +12.30% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.11% annualized vs +1.38%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 7.7% for UUP. 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 -22.2% for UUP 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 -0.43. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
UUP charges 0.75% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $75 vs $4 annually, a gap of $71 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, UUP currently yields 3.26% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
UUP and VYM share 0 holdings out of 559 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, UUP or VYM?
UUP has an expense ratio of 0.75% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $71 per year of difference.
Which performed better, UUP or VYM?
Over the past year UUP returned +6.63% vs +24.43% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), UUP annualized +1.38% vs +7.11% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, UUP or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 7.7% for UUP. Worst drawdown: UUP -22.2% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both UUP and VYM?
UUP and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of -0.43, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between UUP and VYM?
UUP and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 559 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, UUP or VYM?
UUP yields 3.26% while VYM yields 2.86%, so UUP currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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