BUYW vs. MSTY

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

BUYW (Main Buywrite ETF) and MSTY (YieldMax™ MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF) are both Derivative Income funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, BUYW returned 9.91% vs -66.58% for MSTY. At a 0.32 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. BUYW charges 1.29%/yr vs 0.99%/yr for MSTY.

Performance

BUYW vs. MSTY - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Main Buywrite ETF (BUYW) and YieldMax™ MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF (MSTY). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BUYW achieves a 3.75% return, which is significantly higher than MSTY's -27.80% return.

BUYW

• 1D: 0.35%
• 1M: 0.35%
• YTD: 3.75%
• 6M: 4.11%
• 1Y: 9.91%
• 3Y*: 8.68%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

MSTY

• 1D: -4.55%
• 1M: -31.74%
• YTD: -27.80%
• 6M: -29.80%
• 1Y: -66.58%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

BUYW vs. MSTY - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
BUYW Main Buywrite ETF	3.75%	9.08%	8.71%
MSTY YieldMax™ MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF	-27.80%	-42.71%	212.16%

Correlation

The correlation between BUYW and MSTY is 0.33, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.33
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 22, 2024	0.32

Return for Risk

BUYW vs. MSTY — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

BUYW

BUYW Risk / Return Rank: 77
BUYW Sharpe Ratio Rank: 66
BUYW Sortino Ratio Rank: 74
BUYW Omega Ratio Rank: 74
BUYW Calmar Ratio Rank: 78
BUYW Martin Ratio Rank: 91

MSTY

MSTY Risk / Return Rank: 1
MSTY Sharpe Ratio Rank: 1
MSTY Sortino Ratio Rank: 1
MSTY Omega Ratio Rank: 1
MSTY Calmar Ratio Rank: 1
MSTY Martin Ratio Rank: 2

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

BUYW vs. MSTY - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Main Buywrite ETF (BUYW) and YieldMax™ MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF (MSTY). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	BUYW	MSTY	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.06	-1.08	+3.13
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.13	-1.96	+5.09
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.41	0.79	+0.62
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.84	-0.93	+4.77
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	20.54	-1.35	+21.88

BUYW vs. MSTY - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BUYW Sharpe Ratio is 2.06, which is higher than the MSTY Sharpe Ratio of -1.08. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BUYW and MSTY, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

BUYW vs. MSTY - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BUYW drawdown since its inception was -9.36%, smaller than the maximum MSTY drawdown of -71.79%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BUYW and MSTY.

Drawdown Indicators

	BUYW	MSTY	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-9.36%	-71.79%	+62.43%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.59%	-71.79%	+69.20%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-9.36%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-71.62%	+71.62%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.60%	-26.97%	+26.37%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.48%	49.36%	-48.88%

Volatility

BUYW vs. MSTY - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Main Buywrite ETF (BUYW) is 1.21%, while YieldMax™ MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF (MSTY) has a volatility of 19.32%. This indicates that BUYW experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than MSTY based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BUYW	MSTY	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.21%	19.32%	-18.11%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	3.84%	49.66%	-45.82%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.84%	62.02%	-57.18%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	8.43%	71.82%	-63.39%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	8.43%	71.82%	-63.39%

BUYW vs. MSTY - Expense Ratio Comparison

BUYW has a 1.29% expense ratio, which is higher than MSTY's 0.99% expense ratio.

Dividends

BUYW vs. MSTY - Dividend Comparison

BUYW's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.89%, less than MSTY's 286.06% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
BUYW Main Buywrite ETF	5.89%	5.89%	5.93%	5.95%	0.50%
MSTY YieldMax™ MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF	286.06%	294.61%	104.56%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BUYW and MSTY in my portfolio?

BUYW and MSTY have a correlation of 0.33, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BUYW or MSTY?

MSTY has higher volatility (19.32%) compared to BUYW (1.21%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BUYW dropped -9.36% vs MSTY's -71.79%.

Which ETF is better, BUYW or MSTY?

On 1-year performance, BUYW leads with 9.91% vs -66.58% for MSTY. On fees, MSTY is cheaper at 0.99% per year. On volatility, BUYW has been the lower-risk option at 1.21%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BUYW or MSTY?

Over the 1-year period, BUYW has performed better with a 9.91% return vs -66.58%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BUYW or MSTY?

MSTY is cheaper with a 0.99% expense ratio, compared with 1.29% for BUYW.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, BUYW or MSTY?

MSTY has the higher dividend yield at 286.06%, compared with 5.89% for BUYW.

What is the main difference between BUYW and MSTY?

They also come from different issuers: Main Funds and YieldMax. Their fees differ too: 1.29% for BUYW and 0.99% for MSTY.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BUYW currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.06 vs -1.08), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.