MDYG vs. WNTR

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

MDYG (SPDR S&P 400 Mid Cap Growth ETF) and WNTR (YieldMax Short MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - MDYG is a Mid Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the S&P MidCap 400 Growth Index, while WNTR is a Derivative Income fund actively managed by YieldMax. MDYG is passively managed, while WNTR is actively managed. Over the past year, MDYG returned 30.79% vs 115.98% for WNTR. At a correlation of -0.41, they often move in opposite directions. MDYG charges 0.15%/yr vs 1.01%/yr for WNTR.

Performance

MDYG vs. WNTR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SPDR S&P 400 Mid Cap Growth ETF (MDYG) and YieldMax Short MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF (WNTR). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MDYG achieves a 20.08% return, which is significantly higher than WNTR's 17.65% return.

MDYG

• 1D: 0.95%
• 1M: 1.82%
• YTD: 20.08%
• 6M: 17.29%
• 1Y: 30.79%
• 3Y*: 17.92%
• 5Y*: 8.32%
• 10Y*: 12.34%

WNTR

• 1D: 6.51%
• 1M: 45.64%
• YTD: 17.65%
• 6M: 21.49%
• 1Y: 115.98%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

MDYG vs. WNTR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
MDYG SPDR S&P 400 Mid Cap Growth ETF	20.08%	13.72%
WNTR YieldMax Short MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF	17.65%	52.78%

Correlation

The correlation between MDYG and WNTR is -0.39, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.39
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 27, 2025	-0.41

Return for Risk

MDYG vs. WNTR — Risk / Return Rank

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

MDYG

MDYG Risk / Return Rank: 65
MDYG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
MDYG Sortino Ratio Rank: 61
MDYG Omega Ratio Rank: 57
MDYG Calmar Ratio Rank: 71
MDYG Martin Ratio Rank: 75

WNTR

WNTR Risk / Return Rank: 63
WNTR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 80
WNTR Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
WNTR Omega Ratio Rank: 64
WNTR Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
WNTR Martin Ratio Rank: 47

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.

MDYG vs. WNTR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR S&P 400 Mid Cap Growth ETF (MDYG) and YieldMax Short MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF (WNTR). 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.

	MDYG	WNTR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.76	2.20	-0.44
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.50	2.46	+0.04
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.33	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.12	2.73	+0.38
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.38	6.99	+5.39

MDYG vs. WNTR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MDYG Sharpe Ratio is 1.76, which is comparable to the WNTR Sharpe Ratio of 2.20. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MDYG and WNTR, 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

MDYG vs. WNTR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MDYG drawdown since its inception was -58.44%, which is greater than WNTR's maximum drawdown of -42.65%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MDYG and WNTR.

Drawdown Indicators

	MDYG	WNTR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-58.44%	-42.65%	-15.79%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.91%	-42.65%	+32.74%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.45%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.26%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-39.27%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.30%	-4.02%	+3.72%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.01%	-20.87%	+12.86%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.49%	16.66%	-14.17%

Volatility

MDYG vs. WNTR - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for SPDR S&P 400 Mid Cap Growth ETF (MDYG) is 5.59%, while YieldMax Short MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF (WNTR) has a volatility of 18.14%. This indicates that MDYG experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than WNTR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MDYG	WNTR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.59%	18.14%	-12.55%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.85%	46.41%	-32.56%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.62%	53.16%	-35.54%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.71%	53.31%	-32.60%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.07%	53.31%	-32.24%

MDYG vs. WNTR - Expense Ratio Comparison

MDYG has a 0.15% expense ratio, which is lower than WNTR's 1.01% expense ratio.

Dividends

MDYG vs. WNTR - Dividend Comparison

MDYG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.57%, less than WNTR's 94.34% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MDYG SPDR S&P 400 Mid Cap Growth ETF	0.57%	0.75%	0.87%	1.20%	1.16%	0.69%	0.71%	1.21%	1.36%	2.23%	1.25%	2.51%
WNTR YieldMax Short MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF	94.34%	58.56%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MDYG and WNTR in my portfolio?

MDYG and WNTR have a correlation of -0.39, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MDYG or WNTR?

WNTR has higher volatility (18.14%) compared to MDYG (5.59%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MDYG dropped -58.44% vs WNTR's -42.65%.

Which ETF is better, MDYG or WNTR?

On 1-year performance, WNTR leads with 115.98% vs 30.79% for MDYG. On fees, MDYG is cheaper at 0.15% per year. On volatility, MDYG has been the lower-risk option at 5.59%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MDYG or WNTR?

Over the 1-year period, WNTR has performed better with a 115.98% return vs 30.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MDYG or WNTR?

MDYG is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 1.01% for WNTR.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, MDYG or WNTR?

WNTR has the higher dividend yield at 94.34%, compared with 0.57% for MDYG.

What is the main difference between MDYG and WNTR?

MDYG is categorized as Mid Cap Growth Equities, while WNTR is Derivative Income. They also come from different issuers: State Street and YieldMax. Their fees differ too: 0.15% for MDYG and 1.01% for WNTR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

WNTR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.20 vs 1.76), 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.