VLU vs. WNTR

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

VLU (SPDR S&P 1500 Value Tilt ETF) and WNTR (YieldMax Short MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VLU is a Large Cap Value Equities fund tracking the S&P 1500 Low Valuation Tilt Index, while WNTR is a Derivative Income fund actively managed by YieldMax. VLU is passively managed, while WNTR is actively managed. Over the past year, VLU returned 26.66% vs 97.02% for WNTR. At a correlation of -0.39, they often move in opposite directions. VLU charges 0.12%/yr vs 1.01%/yr for WNTR.

Performance

VLU vs. WNTR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SPDR S&P 1500 Value Tilt ETF (VLU) 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, VLU achieves a 13.06% return, which is significantly higher than WNTR's 10.46% return.

VLU

• 1D: -0.00%
• 1M: 0.59%
• YTD: 13.06%
• 6M: 11.92%
• 1Y: 26.66%
• 3Y*: 20.19%
• 5Y*: 12.21%
• 10Y*: 14.20%

WNTR

• 1D: 6.01%
• 1M: 37.47%
• YTD: 10.46%
• 6M: 14.06%
• 1Y: 97.02%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

VLU vs. WNTR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
VLU SPDR S&P 1500 Value Tilt ETF	13.06%	15.20%
WNTR YieldMax Short MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF	10.46%	52.78%

Correlation

The correlation between VLU and WNTR is -0.34, 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	-0.34
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 27, 2025	-0.39

Return for Risk

VLU vs. WNTR — Risk / Return Rank

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

VLU

VLU Risk / Return Rank: 85
VLU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 85
VLU Sortino Ratio Rank: 86
VLU Omega Ratio Rank: 84
VLU Calmar Ratio Rank: 85
VLU Martin Ratio Rank: 87

WNTR

WNTR Risk / Return Rank: 51
WNTR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
WNTR Sortino Ratio Rank: 49
WNTR Omega Ratio Rank: 52
WNTR Calmar Ratio Rank: 51
WNTR Martin Ratio Rank: 40

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.

VLU vs. WNTR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR S&P 1500 Value Tilt ETF (VLU) 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.

	VLU	WNTR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.45	1.85	+0.60
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.42	2.20	+1.22
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.45	1.30	+0.15
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.22	2.29	+1.94
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	16.78	5.85	+10.94

VLU vs. WNTR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VLU Sharpe Ratio is 2.45, which is higher than the WNTR Sharpe Ratio of 1.85. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VLU 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

VLU vs. WNTR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VLU drawdown since its inception was -37.39%, smaller than the maximum WNTR drawdown of -42.65%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VLU and WNTR.

Drawdown Indicators

	VLU	WNTR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-37.39%	-42.65%	+5.26%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.34%	-42.65%	+36.31%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.22%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-19.55%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-37.39%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.37%	-9.88%	+8.51%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.73%	-20.93%	+17.20%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.59%	16.70%	-15.11%

Volatility

VLU vs. WNTR - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for SPDR S&P 1500 Value Tilt ETF (VLU) is 2.84%, while YieldMax Short MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF (WNTR) has a volatility of 17.54%. This indicates that VLU 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

	VLU	WNTR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.84%	17.54%	-14.70%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.90%	45.99%	-38.09%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.97%	52.83%	-41.86%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.39%	53.10%	-37.71%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.06%	53.10%	-35.04%

VLU vs. WNTR - Expense Ratio Comparison

VLU has a 0.12% expense ratio, which is lower than WNTR's 1.01% expense ratio.

Dividends

VLU vs. WNTR - Dividend Comparison

VLU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.64%, less than WNTR's 96.66% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VLU SPDR S&P 1500 Value Tilt ETF	1.64%	1.82%	2.00%	2.02%	2.16%	1.86%	1.98%	2.19%	2.57%	1.96%	2.14%	6.37%
WNTR YieldMax Short MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF	96.66%	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 VLU and WNTR in my portfolio?

VLU and WNTR have a correlation of -0.34, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VLU or WNTR?

WNTR has higher volatility (17.54%) compared to VLU (2.84%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VLU dropped -37.39% vs WNTR's -42.65%.

Which ETF is better, VLU or WNTR?

On 1-year performance, WNTR leads with 97.02% vs 26.66% for VLU. On fees, VLU is cheaper at 0.12% per year. On volatility, VLU has been the lower-risk option at 2.84%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VLU or WNTR?

Over the 1-year period, WNTR has performed better with a 97.02% return vs 26.66%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VLU or WNTR?

VLU is cheaper with a 0.12% expense ratio, compared with 1.01% for WNTR.

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

WNTR has the higher dividend yield at 96.66%, compared with 1.64% for VLU.

What is the main difference between VLU and WNTR?

VLU is categorized as Large Cap Value Equities, while WNTR is Derivative Income. They also come from different issuers: State Street and YieldMax. Their fees differ too: 0.12% for VLU and 1.01% for WNTR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VLU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.45 vs 1.85), 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.