VRTL vs VYM
GraniteShares 2x Long VRT Daily ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Which is better, VRTL or VYM?
Trading-Leveraged Equity against Large Cap Value.
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VRTL led over 1Y, VYM over the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VRTL | VYM |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.50% | 0.04%Best |
| AUM | $44M | $81.6B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.22% |
| Holdings | 2 | 613 |
| Volatility (annualized) | 122.1% | 19.5%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -63.8% | -43.6%Best |
| $10,000 over 1 years | $5,868 | $6,819Best |
| Fund Family | GraniteShares | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Equity |
| Style | Trading-Leveraged Equity | Large Cap Value |
| Inception | Mar 25, 2025 | Nov 10, 2006 |
Not shown on this pair: YTD Return, 1Y Return, 3Y Return (annualized), 5Y Return (annualized), Top 10 Weight.
The two price series end 6468 days apart, so a return over any period would be measuring two different stretches of market. Those rows are withheld. VRTL has data through Jan 2, 2009 and VYM through Sep 18, 2026.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 1 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Jan 2, 2008 to Jan 2, 2009 (1 years).
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VRTL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 122.1% compared with 19.5% 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 -63.8% for VRTL and -43.6% for VYM. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.44. They move together some of the time, and apart the rest.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VRTL charges 1.50% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $150 vs $4 annually, a gap of $146 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VRTL currently yields 0.00% against 2.22% for VYM.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of VRTL and VYM you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VRTL or VYM?
VRTL has an expense ratio of 1.50% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option, by $146 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which is riskier, VRTL or VYM?
VRTL has been the more volatile fund at 122.1% annualized versus 19.5% for VYM. Worst drawdown: VRTL -63.8% vs VYM -43.6%.
Should I hold both VRTL and VYM?
VRTL and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.44, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, VRTL or VYM?
VRTL yields 0.00% while VYM yields 2.22%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VYM better than VRTL?
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VRTL led over 1Y, VYM over the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.