VTI vs YMAX
Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF vs YieldMax Universe Fund of Option Income ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VTI | YMAX | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 1.33% | |
| AUM | $663.5B | $390M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.07% | 76.20% | |
| Holdings | 3,543 | 30 | |
| YTD Return | +14.96% | +2.27% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.39% | -2.04% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.51% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.36% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.4% | 20.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.6% | -26.1% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | YieldMax ETF | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | May 24, 2001 | Jan 16, 2024 |
VTI vs YMAX Performance
Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and YieldMax Universe Fund of Option Income ETF (YMAX) is a ETF from YieldMax ETF. Over the past year VTI returned +22.39% while YMAX returned -2.04%. Year to date, VTI is up 14.96% versus a gain of 2.27% for YMAX.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
YMAX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.2% compared with 15.4% for VTI. 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 -56.6% for VTI and -26.1% for YMAX. 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 0.87. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VTI charges 0.03% per year while YMAX charges 1.33%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $133 annually, a gap of $130 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VTI currently yields 1.07% against 76.20% for YMAX.
Holdings Overlap
VTI and YMAX share 0 holdings out of 2810 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, VTI or YMAX?
VTI has an expense ratio of 0.03% while YMAX charges 1.33%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $130 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VTI or YMAX?
Over the past year VTI returned +22.39% vs -2.04% for YMAX, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), VTI annualized +8.16% vs +13.36% for YMAX. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VTI or YMAX?
YMAX has been the more volatile fund at 20.2% annualized versus 15.4% for VTI. Worst drawdown: VTI -56.6% vs YMAX -26.1%.
Should I hold both VTI and YMAX?
VTI and YMAX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.87, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VTI and YMAX?
VTI and YMAX share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2810 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VTI or YMAX?
VTI yields 1.07% while YMAX yields 76.20%, so YMAX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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