VBR vs. TSLY

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

VBR (Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF) and TSLY (YieldMax TSLA Option Income Strategy ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VBR is a Small Cap Value Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Small Cap Value Index, while TSLY is a Options Trading fund actively managed by YieldMax. VBR is passively managed, while TSLY is actively managed. Over the past 3 years, VBR returned 16.09%/yr vs 10.28%/yr for TSLY. At a 0.40 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. VBR charges 0.05%/yr vs 1.07%/yr for TSLY.

Performance

VBR vs. TSLY - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF (VBR) and YieldMax TSLA Option Income Strategy ETF (TSLY). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VBR achieves a 14.60% return, which is significantly higher than TSLY's -5.22% return.

VBR

• 1D: 0.87%
• 1M: 4.91%
• YTD: 14.60%
• 6M: 12.92%
• 1Y: 27.94%
• 3Y*: 16.09%
• 5Y*: 8.36%
• 10Y*: 10.99%

TSLY

• 1D: 1.66%
• 1M: -6.99%
• YTD: -5.22%
• 6M: -7.03%
• 1Y: 29.62%
• 3Y*: 10.28%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

VBR vs. TSLY - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
VBR Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF	14.60%	9.09%	12.40%	16.00%	-4.59%
TSLY YieldMax TSLA Option Income Strategy ETF	-5.22%	13.62%	27.83%	50.69%	-27.09%

Correlation

The correlation between VBR and TSLY is 0.36, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.36
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.40
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 23, 2022	0.40

Return for Risk

VBR vs. TSLY — Risk / Return Rank

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

VBR

VBR Risk / Return Rank: 67
VBR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
VBR Sortino Ratio Rank: 68
VBR Omega Ratio Rank: 59
VBR Calmar Ratio Rank: 72
VBR Martin Ratio Rank: 70

TSLY

TSLY Risk / Return Rank: 27
TSLY Sharpe Ratio Rank: 26
TSLY Sortino Ratio Rank: 26
TSLY Omega Ratio Rank: 26
TSLY Calmar Ratio Rank: 31
TSLY Martin Ratio Rank: 27

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.

VBR vs. TSLY - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF (VBR) and YieldMax TSLA Option Income Strategy ETF (TSLY). 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.

	VBR	TSLY	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.83	0.83	+1.00
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.67	1.30	+1.37
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.16	+0.16
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.17	1.38	+1.80
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.22	3.27	+7.95

VBR vs. TSLY - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VBR Sharpe Ratio is 1.83, which is higher than the TSLY Sharpe Ratio of 0.83. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VBR and TSLY, 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

VBR vs. TSLY - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VBR drawdown since its inception was -61.98%, which is greater than TSLY's maximum drawdown of -49.52%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VBR and TSLY.

Drawdown Indicators

	VBR	TSLY	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-61.98%	-49.52%	-12.46%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.85%	-21.64%	+12.79%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-24.19%	-49.52%	+25.33%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.19%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-45.28%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-11.38%	+11.38%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.26%	-19.92%	+11.66%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.50%	9.09%	-6.59%

Volatility

VBR vs. TSLY - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF (VBR) is 4.43%, while YieldMax TSLA Option Income Strategy ETF (TSLY) has a volatility of 12.68%. This indicates that VBR experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than TSLY based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VBR	TSLY	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.43%	12.68%	-8.25%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.65%	23.97%	-13.32%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.36%	35.92%	-20.56%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.79%	45.59%	-25.80%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.74%	45.59%	-23.85%

VBR vs. TSLY - Expense Ratio Comparison

VBR has a 0.05% expense ratio, which is lower than TSLY's 1.07% expense ratio.

Dividends

VBR vs. TSLY - Dividend Comparison

VBR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.71%, less than TSLY's 83.90% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
TSLY YieldMax TSLA Option Income Strategy ETF	83.90%	91.19%	82.30%	76.47%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VBR Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF	1.71%	1.95%	1.98%	2.12%	2.03%	1.75%	1.68%	2.06%	2.35%	1.79%	1.77%	1.99%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VBR and TSLY in my portfolio?

VBR and TSLY have a correlation of 0.36, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VBR or TSLY?

TSLY has higher volatility (12.68%) compared to VBR (4.43%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VBR dropped -61.98% vs TSLY's -49.52%.

Which ETF is better, VBR or TSLY?

On 3-year performance, VBR leads with 16.09% vs 10.28% for TSLY. On fees, VBR is cheaper at 0.05% per year. On volatility, VBR has been the lower-risk option at 4.43%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VBR or TSLY?

Over the 3-year period, VBR has performed better with a 16.09% return vs 10.28%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VBR or TSLY?

VBR is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 1.07% for TSLY.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VBR or TSLY?

TSLY has the higher dividend yield at 83.90%, compared with 1.71% for VBR.

What is the main difference between VBR and TSLY?

VBR is categorized as Small Cap Value Equities, while TSLY is Options Trading. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and YieldMax. Their fees differ too: 0.05% for VBR and 1.07% for TSLY.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VBR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.83 vs 0.83), 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.