VYM vs ZSL
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF vs ProShares UltraShort Silver
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 | ZSL | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.95% | |
| AUM | $81.6B | $64M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.24% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 616 | 6 | |
| YTD Return | +14.66% | -56.58% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.16% | -90.52% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.72% | -80.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.18% | -65.78% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 63.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.8% | -100.0% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | ProShares | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Nov 10, 2006 | Dec 1, 2008 |
VYM vs ZSL Performance
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and ProShares UltraShort Silver (ZSL) is a ETF from ProShares. Over the past year VYM returned +22.16% while ZSL returned -90.52%. Year to date, VYM is up 14.66% versus a loss of 56.58% for ZSL.
Over three years, VYM compounded at +18.72% per year against -80.83% for ZSL; over five years the annualized figures are +12.18% and -65.78% respectively. Across the full 18-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.01% annualized vs -47.01%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ZSL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 63.0% 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 -100.0% for ZSL. 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 -0.24. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VYM charges 0.04% per year while ZSL 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 0.00% for ZSL.
Holdings Overlap
VYM and ZSL share 0 holdings out of 604 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 ZSL?
VYM has an expense ratio of 0.04% while ZSL 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 ZSL?
Over the past year VYM returned +22.16% vs -90.52% for ZSL, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (18 years), VYM annualized +7.01% vs -47.01% for ZSL. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VYM or ZSL?
ZSL has been the more volatile fund at 63.0% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: VYM -58.8% vs ZSL -100.0%.
Should I hold both VYM and ZSL?
VYM and ZSL have a monthly-return correlation of -0.24, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VYM and ZSL?
VYM and ZSL share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 604 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VYM or ZSL?
VYM yields 2.24% while ZSL yields 0.00%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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