VYM vs ZVOL
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF vs Volatility Premium Plus ETF
Which is better, VYM or ZVOL?
Large Cap Value against Multi Alternative.
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM led over 1Y, 3Y 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 | ZVOL |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04%Best | 1.42% |
| AUM | $81.6B | $17M |
| Dividend Yield | 2.22% | 74.20% |
| Holdings | 613 | 5 |
| YTD Return | +13.15%Best | -16.44% |
| 1Y Return | +17.82%Best | -11.56% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.99%Best | -4.10% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.16% | - |
| Volatility (annualized) | 11.4%Best | 54.7% |
| Max Drawdown | -14.5%Best | -64.5% |
| $10,000 over 3.4 years | $16,486Best | $12,392 |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Volatility Shares, LLC |
| Category | Equity | Alternative |
| Style | Large Cap Value | Multi Alternative |
| Inception | Nov 10, 2006 | Nov 22, 2024 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 3.4 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Apr 19, 2023 to Sep 10, 2026 (3.4 years).
VYM vs ZVOL 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 3.4 years both funds cover.
VYM vs ZVOL Performance
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is an ETF from Vanguard (US) and Volatility Premium Plus ETF (ZVOL) is an ETF from Volatility Shares, LLC. Over the past year VYM returned +17.82% while ZVOL returned -11.56%. Year to date, VYM is up 13.15% versus a loss of 16.44% for ZVOL.
Over three years, VYM compounded at +17.99% per year against -4.10% for ZVOL.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ZVOL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 54.7% compared with 11.4% 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 -14.5% for VYM and -64.5% for ZVOL. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.04. They move largely independently of each other.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VYM charges 0.04% per year while ZVOL charges 1.42%. On a $10,000 position that is $4 vs $142 annually, a gap of $138 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VYM currently yields 2.22% against 74.20% for ZVOL.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of VYM and ZVOL 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 ZVOL?
VYM has an expense ratio of 0.04% while ZVOL charges 1.42%. VYM is the cheaper option, by $138 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, VYM or ZVOL?
Over the past year VYM returned +17.82% vs -11.56% for ZVOL, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, VYM or ZVOL?
ZVOL has been the more volatile fund at 54.7% annualized versus 11.4% for VYM. Worst drawdown: VYM -14.5% vs ZVOL -64.5%.
Should I hold both VYM and ZVOL?
VYM and ZVOL have a monthly-return correlation of 0.04, 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 ZVOL?
VYM yields 2.22% while ZVOL yields 74.20%, so ZVOL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is ZVOL better than VYM?
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM led over 1Y, 3Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.