UWM vs VYM
ProShares Ultra Russell2000 vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. UWM delivered stronger 1-year returns. UWM offers more diversification with 1,994 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | UWM | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $252M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.84% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 1,994 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +36.96% | +15.42% | |
| 1Y Return | +53.90% | +22.36% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +26.95% | +19.06% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.99% | +12.20% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 41.0% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -88.5% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 23, 2007 | Nov 10, 2006 |
UWM vs VYM Performance
ProShares Ultra Russell2000 (UWM) is a ETF from ProShares and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year UWM returned +53.90% while VYM returned +22.36%. Year to date, UWM is up 36.96% versus a gain of 15.42% for VYM.
Over three years, UWM compounded at +26.95% per year against +19.06% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +3.99% and +12.20% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, UWM has the edge at +7.06% annualized vs +7.04%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
UWM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 41.0% 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 -88.5% for UWM 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 0.85. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
UWM charges 0.95% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $95 vs $4 annually, a gap of $91 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, UWM currently yields 0.84% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
UWM and VYM share 180 holdings out of 2389 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, UWM or VYM?
UWM has an expense ratio of 0.95% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $91 per year of difference.
Which performed better, UWM or VYM?
Over the past year UWM returned +53.90% vs +22.36% for VYM, so UWM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), UWM annualized +7.06% vs +7.04% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, UWM or VYM?
UWM has been the more volatile fund at 41.0% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: UWM -88.5% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both UWM and VYM?
UWM and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.85, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between UWM and VYM?
UWM and VYM share 180 common holdings with a 2.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2389 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, UWM or VYM?
UWM yields 0.84% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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