VYM vs YCL
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF vs ProShares Ultra Yen
Which is better, VYM or YCL?
VYM has been ahead.
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and 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 | VYM | YCL |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04%Best | 0.95% |
| AUM | $81.6B | $31M |
| Dividend Yield | 2.22% | 0.00% |
| Holdings | 613 | 4 |
| YTD Return | +11.47%Best | -3.83% |
| 1Y Return | +15.94%Best | -16.31% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.03%Best | -10.44% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.35%Best | -19.11% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.2%Best | 18.8% |
| Max Drawdown | -35.7%Best | -88.7% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $17,901Best | $3,463 |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | ProShares |
| Category | Equity | Alternative |
| Style | Large Cap Value | - |
| Inception | Nov 10, 2006 | Nov 24, 2008 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Nov 25, 2008 to Sep 21, 2026 (17.8 years).
VYM vs YCL growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 17.8 years both funds cover.
VYM vs YCL Performance
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is an ETF from Vanguard (US) and ProShares Ultra Yen (YCL) is an ETF from ProShares. Over the past year VYM returned +15.94% while YCL returned -16.31%. Year to date, VYM is up 11.47% versus a loss of 3.83% for YCL.
Over three years, VYM compounded at +18.03% per year against -10.44% for YCL; over five years the annualized figures are +12.35% and -19.11% respectively. Across the full 18-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +10.36% annualized vs -9.24%.
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 14.2% 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 -35.7% for VYM and -88.7% for YCL. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.05. They move largely independently of each other.
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 2.22% against 0.00% for YCL.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 557 holdings in VYM and 1 in YCL, totalling 99.2% and 35.3% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 557 positions we hold weights for in VYM and 1 in YCL, against full books of 613 and 4.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of VYM and YCL 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, VYM or YCL?
VYM has an expense ratio of 0.04% while YCL charges 0.95%. VYM is the cheaper option, by $91 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, VYM or YCL?
Over the past year VYM returned +15.94% vs -16.31% for YCL, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (18 years), VYM annualized +10.36% vs -9.24% for YCL. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, VYM or YCL?
YCL has been the more volatile fund at 18.8% annualized versus 14.2% for VYM. Worst drawdown: VYM -35.7% vs YCL -88.7%.
Should I hold both VYM and YCL?
VYM and YCL have a monthly-return correlation of 0.05, 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, VYM or YCL?
VYM yields 2.22% while YCL yields 0.00%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is YCL better than VYM?
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.