VYM vs YCS
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF vs ProShares UltraShort Yen ETF
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 | YCS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.95% | |
| AUM | $79.0B | $32M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.86% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 568 | 4 | |
| YTD Return | +16.10% | +7.04% | |
| 1Y Return | +25.99% | +23.63% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.29% | +16.39% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.35% | +23.20% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 19.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.8% | -49.6% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | ProShares | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Nov 10, 2006 | Nov 24, 2008 |
VYM vs YCS Performance
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and ProShares UltraShort Yen ETF (YCS) is a ETF from ProShares. Over the past year VYM returned +25.99% while YCS returned +23.63%. Year to date, VYM is up 16.10% versus a gain of 7.04% for YCS.
Over three years, VYM compounded at +18.29% per year against +16.39% for YCS; over five years the annualized figures are +12.35% and +23.20% respectively. Across the full 18-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.08% annualized vs +6.44%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
YCS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.4% 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 -49.6% for YCS. 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 -0.05. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VYM charges 0.04% per year while YCS 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 YCS.
Holdings Overlap
VYM and YCS 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 YCS?
VYM has an expense ratio of 0.04% while YCS 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 YCS?
Over the past year VYM returned +25.99% vs +23.63% for YCS, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (18 years), VYM annualized +7.08% vs +6.44% for YCS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VYM or YCS?
YCS has been the more volatile fund at 19.4% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: VYM -58.8% vs YCS -49.6%.
Should I hold both VYM and YCS?
VYM and YCS have a monthly-return correlation of -0.05, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VYM and YCS?
VYM and YCS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 559 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VYM or YCS?
VYM yields 2.86% while YCS yields 0.00%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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