VXUS vs YMAX
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF vs YieldMax Universe Fund of Option Income ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VXUS | YMAX | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 1.33% | |
| AUM | $158.1B | $393M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.59% | 78.13% | |
| Holdings | 8,747 | 28 | |
| YTD Return | +15.52% | +3.60% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.73% | +0.49% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.35% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.40% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 20.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.9% | -26.1% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | YieldMax ETF | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2011 | Jan 16, 2024 |
VXUS vs YMAX Performance
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) 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 VXUS returned +26.73% while YMAX returned +0.49%. Year to date, VXUS is up 15.52% versus a gain of 3.60% for YMAX.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
YMAX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.3% compared with 15.1% for VXUS. 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 -39.9% for VXUS 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 0.45. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VXUS charges 0.05% per year while YMAX charges 1.33%. On a $10,000 position that is $5 vs $133 annually, a gap of $128 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VXUS currently yields 2.59% against 78.13% for YMAX.
Holdings Overlap
VXUS and YMAX share 0 holdings out of 7896 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, VXUS or YMAX?
VXUS has an expense ratio of 0.05% while YMAX charges 1.33%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $128 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VXUS or YMAX?
Over the past year VXUS returned +26.73% vs +0.49% for YMAX, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), VXUS annualized +4.90% vs +13.71% for YMAX. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VXUS or YMAX?
YMAX has been the more volatile fund at 20.3% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: VXUS -39.9% vs YMAX -26.1%.
Should I hold both VXUS and YMAX?
VXUS and YMAX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.45, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VXUS and YMAX?
VXUS and YMAX share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7896 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VXUS or YMAX?
VXUS yields 2.59% while YMAX yields 78.13%, so YMAX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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