VYM vs WNTR
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF vs YieldMax Short MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VYM | WNTR | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 1.00% | |
| AUM | $81.6B | $82M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.24% | 106.61% | |
| Holdings | 616 | 21 | |
| YTD Return | +14.66% | -38.39% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.16% | +7.05% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.72% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.18% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 57.8% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.8% | -53.1% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | YieldMax ETF | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Nov 10, 2006 | Mar 26, 2025 |
VYM vs WNTR Performance
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and YieldMax Short MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF (WNTR) is a ETF from YieldMax ETF. Over the past year VYM returned +22.16% while WNTR returned +7.05%. Year to date, VYM is up 14.66% versus a loss of 38.39% for WNTR.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
WNTR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 57.8% 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 -58.8% for VYM and -53.1% for WNTR. 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 -0.09. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VYM charges 0.04% per year while WNTR charges 1.00%. On a $10,000 position that is $4 vs $100 annually, a gap of $96 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VYM currently yields 2.24% against 106.61% for WNTR.
Holdings Overlap
VYM and WNTR share 0 holdings out of 606 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, VYM or WNTR?
VYM has an expense ratio of 0.04% while WNTR charges 1.00%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $96 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VYM or WNTR?
Over the past year VYM returned +22.16% vs +7.05% for WNTR, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), VYM annualized +7.01% vs -4.85% for WNTR. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VYM or WNTR?
WNTR has been the more volatile fund at 57.8% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: VYM -58.8% vs WNTR -53.1%.
Should I hold both VYM and WNTR?
VYM and WNTR have a monthly-return correlation of -0.09, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VYM and WNTR?
VYM and WNTR share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 606 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VYM or WNTR?
VYM yields 2.24% while WNTR yields 106.61%, so WNTR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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