VYM vs YXI
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF vs ProShares Short FTSE China 50
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 | YXI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.95% | |
| AUM | $81.6B | $5M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.24% | 2.71% | |
| Holdings | 616 | 6 | |
| YTD Return | +14.66% | +12.16% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.16% | +7.67% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.72% | -13.44% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.18% | -6.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 22.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.8% | -81.7% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | ProShares | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Nov 10, 2006 | Mar 16, 2010 |
VYM vs YXI Performance
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and ProShares Short FTSE China 50 (YXI) is a ETF from ProShares. Over the past year VYM returned +22.16% while YXI returned +7.67%. Year to date, VYM is up 14.66% versus a gain of 12.16% for YXI.
Over three years, VYM compounded at +18.72% per year against -13.44% for YXI; over five years the annualized figures are +12.18% and -6.23% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.01% annualized vs -8.28%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
YXI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.7% 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 -81.7% for YXI. 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 -0.37. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VYM charges 0.04% per year while YXI 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 2.24% against 2.71% for YXI.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VYM or YXI?
VYM has an expense ratio of 0.04% while YXI 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 YXI?
Over the past year VYM returned +22.16% vs +7.67% for YXI, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), VYM annualized +7.01% vs -8.28% for YXI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VYM or YXI?
YXI has been the more volatile fund at 22.7% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: VYM -58.8% vs YXI -81.7%.
Should I hold both VYM and YXI?
VYM and YXI have a monthly-return correlation of -0.37, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, VYM or YXI?
VYM yields 2.24% while YXI yields 2.71%, so YXI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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