VYM vs. BITI

Last updated Jul 15, 2026

VYM (Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF) and BITI (ProShares Short Bitcoin ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VYM is a Dividend fund tracking the FTSE High Dividend Yield Index, while BITI is a Cryptocurrency fund tracking the Bloomberg Bitcoin Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, VYM returned 17.76%/yr vs -31.54%/yr for BITI. At a correlation of -0.31, they often move in opposite directions. VYM charges 0.04%/yr vs 1.03%/yr for BITI.

Performance

VYM vs. BITI - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VYM achieves a 12.96% return, which is significantly lower than BITI's 23.84% return.

VYM

• 1D: -0.42%
• 1M: 0.53%
• 6M: 9.84%
• YTD: 12.96%
• 1Y: 21.57%
• 3Y*: 17.76%
• 5Y*: 12.04%
• 10Y*: 11.46%

BITI

• 1D: -3.81%
• 1M: -2.41%
• 6M: 34.02%
• YTD: 23.84%
• 1Y: 64.31%
• 3Y*: -31.54%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

VYM vs. BITI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
VYM Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF	12.96%	15.42%	17.60%	6.57%	11.86%
BITI ProShares Short Bitcoin ETF	23.84%	-1.76%	-62.60%	-66.17%	3.39%

Correlation

The correlation between VYM and BITI is -0.35, 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	-0.35
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	-0.30
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 21, 2022	-0.31

Return for Risk

VYM vs. BITI — Risk / Return Rank

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

VYM

VYM Risk / Return Rank: 82
VYM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 83
VYM Sortino Ratio Rank: 85
VYM Omega Ratio Rank: 82
VYM Calmar Ratio Rank: 78
VYM Martin Ratio Rank: 80

BITI

BITI Risk / Return Rank: 53
BITI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 53
BITI Sortino Ratio Rank: 51
BITI Omega Ratio Rank: 47
BITI Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
BITI Martin Ratio Rank: 48

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.

VYM vs. BITI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) and ProShares Short Bitcoin ETF (BITI). 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.

	VYM	BITI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.11	1.46	+0.65
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.04	2.03	+1.01
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.38	1.24	+0.14
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.24	2.56	+0.68
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.03	6.37	+5.66

VYM vs. BITI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VYM Sharpe Ratio is 2.11, which is higher than the BITI Sharpe Ratio of 1.46. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VYM and BITI, 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

VYM vs. BITI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VYM drawdown since its inception was -56.98%, smaller than the maximum BITI drawdown of -92.16%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VYM and BITI.

Drawdown Indicators

	VYM	BITI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-56.98%	-92.16%	+35.18%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.69%	-25.28%	+18.59%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.46%	-84.63%	+70.17%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-15.84%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.21%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.55%	-86.48%	+85.93%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.16%	-68.36%	+61.20%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.80%	10.13%	-8.33%

Volatility

VYM vs. BITI - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is 1.97%, while ProShares Short Bitcoin ETF (BITI) has a volatility of 11.73%. This indicates that VYM experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than BITI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VYM	BITI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.97%	11.73%	-9.76%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.46%	34.49%	-27.03%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.27%	44.24%	-33.97%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.90%	52.29%	-38.39%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.29%	52.29%	-36.00%

VYM vs. BITI - Expense Ratio Comparison

VYM has a 0.04% expense ratio, which is lower than BITI's 1.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

VYM vs. BITI - Dividend Comparison

VYM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.27%, less than BITI's 15.70% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BITI ProShares Short Bitcoin ETF	15.70%	1.60%	3.91%	3.33%	0.06%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VYM Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF	2.27%	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 VYM and BITI in my portfolio?

VYM and BITI have a correlation of -0.35, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VYM or BITI?

BITI has higher volatility (11.73%) compared to VYM (1.97%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VYM dropped -56.98% vs BITI's -92.16%.

Which ETF is better, VYM or BITI?

On 3-year performance, VYM leads with 17.76% vs -31.54% for BITI. On fees, VYM is cheaper at 0.04% per year. On volatility, VYM has been the lower-risk option at 1.97%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VYM or BITI?

Over the 3-year period, VYM has performed better with a 17.76% return vs -31.54%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VYM or BITI?

VYM is cheaper with a 0.04% expense ratio, compared with 1.03% for BITI.

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

BITI has the higher dividend yield at 15.70%, compared with 2.27% for VYM.

What is the main difference between VYM and BITI?

VYM is categorized as Dividend, while BITI is Cryptocurrency. VYM tracks FTSE High Dividend Yield Index, while BITI tracks Bloomberg Bitcoin Index. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and ProShares. Their fees differ too: 0.04% for VYM and 1.03% for BITI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VYM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.11 vs 1.46), 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.