SVOL vs. VYM

Last updated Jun 9, 2026

SVOL (Simplify Volatility Premium ETF) and VYM (Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SVOL is a Volatility fund actively managed by Simplify, while VYM is a Dividend fund tracking the FTSE High Dividend Yield Index. SVOL is actively managed, while VYM is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, SVOL returned 6.66%/yr vs 11.33%/yr for VYM. A 0.60 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. SVOL charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for VYM.

Performance

SVOL vs. VYM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Simplify Volatility Premium ETF (SVOL) 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, SVOL achieves a -0.84% return, which is significantly lower than VYM's 10.82% return.

SVOL

• 1D: 0.50%
• 1M: 2.47%
• YTD: -0.84%
• 6M: 1.19%
• 1Y: 10.38%
• 3Y*: 5.92%
• 5Y*: 6.66%
• 10Y*: —

VYM

• 1D: -0.08%
• 1M: 1.71%
• YTD: 10.82%
• 6M: 10.58%
• 1Y: 24.30%
• 3Y*: 17.89%
• 5Y*: 11.33%
• 10Y*: 11.70%

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

SVOL vs. VYM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
SVOL Simplify Volatility Premium ETF	-0.84%	2.41%	6.77%	22.88%	-3.30%	12.70%
VYM Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF	10.82%	15.42%	17.60%	6.57%	-0.43%	9.61%

Correlation

The correlation between SVOL and VYM is 0.60, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.60
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.58
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.60
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 13, 2021	0.60

The correlation between SVOL and VYM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.58 to 0.60 - a consistent structural relationship.

SVOL vs. VYM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SVOL	VYM
Technology	31.9%	17.7%
Financial Services	11.4%	20.5%
Industrials	11.4%	12.1%
Healthcare	11.0%	12.2%
Consumer Cyclical	9.4%	6.7%
Communication Services	7.4%	3.5%
Consumer Defensive	5.1%	8.1%
Energy	4.8%	9.8%
Real Estate	2.8%	0.0%
Basic Materials	2.5%	3.5%
Utilities	2.3%	5.7%

Return for Risk

SVOL vs. VYM — Risk / Return Rank

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

SVOL

SVOL Risk / Return Rank: 19
SVOL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 18
SVOL Sortino Ratio Rank: 18
SVOL Omega Ratio Rank: 19
SVOL Calmar Ratio Rank: 20
SVOL Martin Ratio Rank: 19

VYM

VYM Risk / Return Rank: 80
VYM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 81
VYM Sortino Ratio Rank: 83
VYM Omega Ratio Rank: 80
VYM Calmar Ratio Rank: 78
VYM Martin Ratio Rank: 78

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.

SVOL vs. VYM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Simplify Volatility Premium ETF (SVOL) 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.

	SVOL	VYM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.50	2.36	-1.86
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.84	3.36	-2.52
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.12	1.43	-0.31
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.80	3.65	-2.84
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.89	13.64	-11.75
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

SVOL vs. VYM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SVOL Sharpe Ratio is 0.50, which is lower than the VYM Sharpe Ratio of 2.36. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SVOL 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

	SVOL	VYM	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.50	2.36	-1.86
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.30	0.81	-0.51
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.72	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.35	0.50	-0.16

Drawdowns

SVOL vs. VYM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SVOL drawdown since its inception was -33.50%, smaller than the maximum VYM drawdown of -56.98%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SVOL and VYM.

Drawdown Indicators

	SVOL	VYM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-33.50%	-56.98%	+23.48%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.01%	-6.69%	-6.32%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-33.50%	-14.46%	-19.04%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-33.50%	-15.84%	-17.66%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.21%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.40%	-1.89%	-1.51%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.77%	-7.19%	+2.42%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.49%	1.79%	+3.70%

Volatility

SVOL vs. VYM - Volatility Comparison

Simplify Volatility Premium ETF (SVOL) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) have volatilities of 2.77% and 2.82%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SVOL	VYM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.77%	2.82%	-0.05%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.82%	7.73%	+2.09%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.78%	10.35%	+10.43%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.01%	13.98%	+8.03%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.92%	16.35%	+5.57%

SVOL vs. VYM - Expense Ratio Comparison

SVOL has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is higher than VYM's 0.04% expense ratio.

Dividends

SVOL vs. VYM - Dividend Comparison

SVOL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 22.19%, more than VYM's 2.22% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SVOL Simplify Volatility Premium ETF	22.19%	19.82%	16.79%	16.36%	18.32%	4.65%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VYM Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF	2.22%	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 SVOL and VYM in my portfolio?

SVOL and VYM have a correlation of 0.60, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SVOL or VYM?

VYM has higher volatility (2.82%) compared to SVOL (2.77%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SVOL dropped -33.50% vs VYM's -56.98%.

Which ETF is better, SVOL or VYM?

On 5-year performance, VYM leads with 11.33% vs 6.66% for SVOL. On fees, VYM is cheaper at 0.04% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SVOL or VYM?

Over the 5-year period, VYM has performed better with a 11.33% return vs 6.66%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SVOL or VYM?

VYM is cheaper with a 0.04% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for SVOL.

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

SVOL has the higher dividend yield at 22.19%, compared with 2.22% for VYM.

What is the main difference between SVOL and VYM?

SVOL is categorized as Volatility, while VYM is Dividend. They also come from different issuers: Simplify and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for SVOL and 0.04% for VYM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VYM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.36 vs 0.50), 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.