YGLD vs. WNTR

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

YGLD (Simplify Gold Strategy PLUS Income ETF) and WNTR (YieldMax Short MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - YGLD is a Gold fund actively managed by Simplify, while WNTR is a Derivative Income fund actively managed by YieldMax. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, YGLD returned 7.89% vs 97.02% for WNTR. At a correlation of -0.22, they often move in opposite directions. YGLD charges 0.50%/yr vs 1.01%/yr for WNTR.

Performance

YGLD vs. WNTR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Simplify Gold Strategy PLUS Income ETF (YGLD) 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, YGLD achieves a -20.74% return, which is significantly lower than WNTR's 10.46% return.

YGLD

• 1D: -4.78%
• 1M: -16.60%
• YTD: -20.74%
• 6M: -26.50%
• 1Y: 7.89%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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)

YGLD vs. WNTR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
YGLD Simplify Gold Strategy PLUS Income ETF	-20.74%	67.78%
WNTR YieldMax Short MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF	10.46%	52.78%

Correlation

The correlation between YGLD and WNTR is -0.26, 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	-0.26
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 27, 2025	-0.22

Return for Risk

YGLD vs. WNTR — Risk / Return Rank

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

YGLD

YGLD Risk / Return Rank: 12
YGLD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 12
YGLD Sortino Ratio Rank: 12
YGLD Omega Ratio Rank: 13
YGLD Calmar Ratio Rank: 11
YGLD Martin Ratio Rank: 11

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.

YGLD vs. WNTR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Simplify Gold Strategy PLUS Income ETF (YGLD) 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.

	YGLD	WNTR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.19	1.85	-1.66
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.52	2.20	-1.68
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.07	1.30	-0.22
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.19	2.29	-2.10
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.46	5.85	-5.39

YGLD vs. WNTR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current YGLD Sharpe Ratio is 0.19, which is lower than the WNTR Sharpe Ratio of 1.85. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of YGLD 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

YGLD vs. WNTR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum YGLD drawdown since its inception was -42.80%, roughly equal to the maximum WNTR drawdown of -42.65%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for YGLD and WNTR.

Drawdown Indicators

	YGLD	WNTR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-42.80%	-42.65%	-0.15%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-42.80%	-42.65%	-0.15%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-42.80%	-9.88%	-32.92%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.96%	-20.93%	+11.97%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	17.29%	16.70%	+0.59%

Volatility

YGLD vs. WNTR - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Simplify Gold Strategy PLUS Income ETF (YGLD) is 12.53%, while YieldMax Short MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF (WNTR) has a volatility of 17.54%. This indicates that YGLD 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

	YGLD	WNTR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	12.53%	17.54%	-5.01%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	36.65%	45.99%	-9.34%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	41.90%	52.83%	-10.93%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	39.60%	53.10%	-13.50%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	39.60%	53.10%	-13.50%

YGLD vs. WNTR - Expense Ratio Comparison

YGLD has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is lower than WNTR's 1.01% expense ratio.

Dividends

YGLD vs. WNTR - Dividend Comparison

YGLD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 22.50%, less than WNTR's 96.66% yield.

Position	TTM	2025
WNTR YieldMax Short MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF	96.66%	58.56%
YGLD Simplify Gold Strategy PLUS Income ETF	22.50%	12.05%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both YGLD and WNTR in my portfolio?

YGLD and WNTR have a correlation of -0.26, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, YGLD or WNTR?

WNTR has higher volatility (17.54%) compared to YGLD (12.53%). In terms of maximum drawdown, YGLD dropped -42.80% vs WNTR's -42.65%.

Which ETF is better, YGLD or WNTR?

On 1-year performance, WNTR leads with 97.02% vs 7.89% for YGLD. On fees, YGLD is cheaper at 0.50% per year. On volatility, YGLD has been the lower-risk option at 12.53%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, YGLD or WNTR?

Over the 1-year period, WNTR has performed better with a 97.02% return vs 7.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, YGLD or WNTR?

YGLD is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 1.01% for WNTR.

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

WNTR has the higher dividend yield at 96.66%, compared with 22.50% for YGLD.

What is the main difference between YGLD and WNTR?

YGLD is categorized as Gold, while WNTR is Derivative Income. They also come from different issuers: Simplify and YieldMax. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for YGLD and 1.01% for WNTR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

WNTR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.85 vs 0.19), 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.