VYM vs YMAG
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF vs YieldMax Magnificent 7 Fund of Option Income 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 | YMAG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 1.34% | |
| AUM | $79.0B | $278M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.86% | 58.52% | |
| Holdings | 568 | 9 | |
| YTD Return | +16.78% | +3.54% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.43% | +12.41% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.60% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.30% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 17.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.8% | -26.0% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | YieldMax ETF | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Nov 10, 2006 | Jan 29, 2024 |
VYM vs YMAG Performance
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and YieldMax Magnificent 7 Fund of Option Income ETF (YMAG) is a ETF from YieldMax ETF. Over the past year VYM returned +24.43% while YMAG returned +12.41%. Year to date, VYM is up 16.78% versus a gain of 3.54% for YMAG.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
YMAG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.9% 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 -26.0% for YMAG. 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 0.36. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VYM charges 0.04% per year while YMAG charges 1.34%. On a $10,000 position that is $4 vs $134 annually, a gap of $130 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VYM currently yields 2.86% against 58.52% for YMAG.
Holdings Overlap
VYM and YMAG share 0 holdings out of 566 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 YMAG?
VYM has an expense ratio of 0.04% while YMAG charges 1.34%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $130 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VYM or YMAG?
Over the past year VYM returned +24.43% vs +12.41% for YMAG, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), VYM annualized +7.11% vs +22.08% for YMAG. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VYM or YMAG?
YMAG has been the more volatile fund at 17.9% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: VYM -58.8% vs YMAG -26.0%.
Should I hold both VYM and YMAG?
VYM and YMAG have a monthly-return correlation of 0.36, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VYM and YMAG?
VYM and YMAG share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 566 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VYM or YMAG?
VYM yields 2.86% while YMAG yields 58.52%, so YMAG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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