QLD vs VYM
QLD vs VYM
ProShares Ultra QQQ vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. QLD delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QLD | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $12.5B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.12% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 127 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +28.69% | +15.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +46.13% | +25.56% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +40.22% | +17.86% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +18.69% | +12.35% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 38.1% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -84.0% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 19, 2006 | Nov 10, 2006 |
QLD vs VYM Performance
ProShares Ultra QQQ (QLD) is a ETF from ProShares and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year QLD returned +46.13% while VYM returned +25.56%. Year to date, QLD is up 28.69% versus a gain of 15.20% for VYM.
Over three years, QLD compounded at +40.22% per year against +17.86% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +18.69% and +12.35% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, QLD has the edge at +24.37% annualized vs +7.05%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QLD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 38.1% 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 -84.0% for QLD and -58.8% for VYM. 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 0.74. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QLD charges 0.95% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $95 vs $4 annually, a gap of $91 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QLD currently yields 0.12% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
QLD and VYM share 27 holdings out of 635 unique holdings combined, representing a 11.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in QLD | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| AVGO | 1.83% | 6.47% | 4.64% |
| WMT | 1.54% | 2.44% | 0.90% |
| CSCO | 1.28% | 1.39% | 0.11% |
| TXN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| PEP | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AMGN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ADI | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GILD | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| QCOM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| STX | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings QLD shares with VYM Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QLD or VYM?
QLD has an expense ratio of 0.95% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $91 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QLD or VYM?
Over the past year QLD returned +46.13% vs +25.56% for VYM, so QLD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), QLD annualized +24.37% vs +7.05% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QLD or VYM?
QLD has been the more volatile fund at 38.1% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: QLD -84.0% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both QLD and VYM?
QLD and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.74, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QLD and VYM?
QLD and VYM share 27 common holdings with a 11.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 635 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QLD or VYM?
QLD yields 0.12% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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