VYM vs YCL
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF vs ProShares Ultra Yen
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VYM | YCL | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.95% | |
| AUM | $79.0B | $31M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.86% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 568 | 4 | |
| YTD Return | +16.16% | -5.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.05% | -17.75% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.43% | -12.39% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.21% | -19.08% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 18.8% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.8% | -88.7% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | ProShares | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Nov 10, 2006 | Nov 24, 2008 |
VYM vs YCL Performance
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and ProShares Ultra Yen (YCL) is a ETF from ProShares. Over the past year VYM returned +26.05% while YCL returned -17.75%. Year to date, VYM is up 16.16% versus a loss of 5.57% for YCL.
Over three years, VYM compounded at +18.43% per year against -12.39% for YCL; over five years the annualized figures are +12.21% and -19.08% respectively. Across the full 18-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.09% annualized vs -9.39%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
YCL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.8% 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 -88.7% for YCL. 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 0.06. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VYM charges 0.04% per year while YCL charges 0.95%. On a $10,000 position that is $4 vs $95 annually, a gap of $91 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VYM currently yields 2.86% against 0.00% for YCL.
Holdings Overlap
VYM and YCL share 0 holdings out of 559 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 YCL?
VYM has an expense ratio of 0.04% while YCL charges 0.95%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $91 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VYM or YCL?
Over the past year VYM returned +26.05% vs -17.75% for YCL, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (18 years), VYM annualized +7.09% vs -9.39% for YCL. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VYM or YCL?
YCL has been the more volatile fund at 18.8% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: VYM -58.8% vs YCL -88.7%.
Should I hold both VYM and YCL?
VYM and YCL have a monthly-return correlation of 0.06, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VYM and YCL?
VYM and YCL share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 559 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VYM or YCL?
VYM yields 2.86% while YCL yields 0.00%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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