MBOX vs. VYM

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

MBOX (Freedom Day Dividend ETF) and VYM (Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF) are both Dividend funds. MBOX is actively managed, while VYM is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, MBOX returned 11.86%/yr vs 11.48%/yr for VYM. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. MBOX charges 0.39%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for VYM.

Performance

MBOX vs. VYM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Freedom Day Dividend ETF (MBOX) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MBOX achieves a 15.47% return, which is significantly higher than VYM's 12.47% return.

MBOX

• 1D: -0.28%
• 1M: 5.07%
• YTD: 15.47%
• 6M: 14.89%
• 1Y: 23.95%
• 3Y*: 19.61%
• 5Y*: 11.86%
• 10Y*: —

VYM

• 1D: -0.43%
• 1M: 3.38%
• YTD: 12.47%
• 6M: 12.01%
• 1Y: 26.16%
• 3Y*: 18.88%
• 5Y*: 11.48%
• 10Y*: 11.90%

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

MBOX vs. VYM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
MBOX Freedom Day Dividend ETF	15.47%	8.72%	16.39%	15.84%	-4.32%	9.48%
VYM Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF	12.47%	15.42%	17.60%	6.57%	-0.43%	8.51%

Correlation

The correlation between MBOX and VYM is 0.91, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.91
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.91
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.92
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 6, 2021	0.92

The correlation between MBOX and VYM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.91 to 0.92 - a consistent structural relationship.

MBOX vs. VYM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	MBOX	VYM
Financial Services	25.0%	20.5%
Technology	18.3%	17.7%
Energy	14.1%	9.8%
Healthcare	13.4%	12.2%
Industrials	8.2%	12.1%
Consumer Defensive	8.0%	8.1%
Basic Materials	3.8%	3.5%
Real Estate	3.4%	0.0%
Utilities	2.2%	5.7%
Communication Services	2.0%	3.5%
Consumer Cyclical	1.7%	6.7%

Return for Risk

MBOX vs. VYM — Risk / Return Rank

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

MBOX

MBOX Risk / Return Rank: 71
MBOX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 67
MBOX Sortino Ratio Rank: 71
MBOX Omega Ratio Rank: 65
MBOX Calmar Ratio Rank: 80
MBOX Martin Ratio Rank: 73

VYM

VYM Risk / Return Rank: 77
VYM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 77
VYM Sortino Ratio Rank: 80
VYM Omega Ratio Rank: 76
VYM Calmar Ratio Rank: 76
VYM Martin Ratio Rank: 75

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.

MBOX vs. VYM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Freedom Day Dividend ETF (MBOX) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM). 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.

	MBOX	VYM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.24	2.56	-0.32
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.25	3.65	-0.39
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.39	1.46	-0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.19	3.93	+0.26
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.88	14.76	-0.88
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

MBOX vs. VYM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MBOX Sharpe Ratio is 2.24, which is comparable to the VYM Sharpe Ratio of 2.56. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MBOX and VYM, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	MBOX	VYM	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.24	2.56	-0.32
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.82	0.83	0.00
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.73	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.83	0.51	+0.32

Drawdowns

MBOX vs. VYM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MBOX drawdown since its inception was -16.42%, smaller than the maximum VYM drawdown of -56.98%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MBOX and VYM.

Drawdown Indicators

	MBOX	VYM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-16.42%	-56.98%	+40.56%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.75%	-6.69%	+0.94%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.37%	-14.46%	-1.91%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-16.42%	-15.84%	-0.58%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.21%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.28%	-0.43%	+0.15%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.46%	-7.19%	+3.73%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.73%	1.78%	-0.05%

Volatility

MBOX vs. VYM - Volatility Comparison

Freedom Day Dividend ETF (MBOX) has a higher volatility of 3.14% compared to Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) at 2.77%. This indicates that MBOX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VYM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MBOX	VYM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.14%	2.77%	+0.37%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.81%	7.67%	+0.14%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.76%	10.28%	+0.48%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.49%	13.96%	+0.53%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.47%	16.34%	-1.87%

MBOX vs. VYM - Expense Ratio Comparison

MBOX has a 0.39% expense ratio, which is higher than VYM's 0.04% expense ratio.

Dividends

MBOX vs. VYM - Dividend Comparison

MBOX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.89%, less than VYM's 2.19% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MBOX Freedom Day Dividend ETF	1.89%	1.94%	1.60%	2.13%	2.87%	1.17%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VYM Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF	2.19%	2.44%	2.74%	3.12%	3.01%	2.76%	3.18%	3.03%	3.40%	2.80%	2.91%	3.22%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MBOX and VYM in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, MBOX and VYM move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, MBOX or VYM?

MBOX has higher volatility (3.14%) compared to VYM (2.77%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MBOX dropped -16.42% vs VYM's -56.98%.

Which ETF is better, MBOX or VYM?

On 5-year performance, MBOX leads with 11.86% vs 11.48% for VYM. On fees, VYM is cheaper at 0.04% per year. On volatility, VYM has been the lower-risk option at 2.77%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MBOX or VYM?

Over the 5-year period, MBOX has performed better with a 11.86% return vs 11.48%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MBOX or VYM?

VYM is cheaper with a 0.04% expense ratio, compared with 0.39% for MBOX.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, MBOX or VYM?

VYM has the higher dividend yield at 2.19%, compared with 1.89% for MBOX.

What is the main difference between MBOX and VYM?

They also come from different issuers: EMPIRICAL FINANCE LLC and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.39% for MBOX and 0.04% for VYM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VYM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.56 vs 2.24), 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.