YMAG vs. BUYW

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

YMAG (YieldMax Magnificent 7 Fund of Option Income ETFs) and BUYW (Main Buywrite ETF) are both Derivative Income funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, YMAG returned 16.69% vs 9.91% for BUYW. A 0.53 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. YMAG charges 1.28%/yr vs 1.29%/yr for BUYW.

Performance

YMAG vs. BUYW - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in YieldMax Magnificent 7 Fund of Option Income ETFs (YMAG) and Main Buywrite ETF (BUYW). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, YMAG achieves a -3.07% return, which is significantly lower than BUYW's 3.75% return.

YMAG

• 1D: -0.87%
• 1M: -7.55%
• YTD: -3.07%
• 6M: -4.07%
• 1Y: 16.69%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BUYW

• 1D: 0.35%
• 1M: 0.35%
• YTD: 3.75%
• 6M: 4.11%
• 1Y: 9.91%
• 3Y*: 8.68%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

YMAG vs. BUYW - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
YMAG YieldMax Magnificent 7 Fund of Option Income ETFs	-3.07%	18.64%	34.66%
BUYW Main Buywrite ETF	3.75%	9.08%	8.79%

Correlation

The correlation between YMAG and BUYW is 0.41, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.41
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 30, 2024	0.53

The correlation between YMAG and BUYW shifts across timeframes, from 0.41 (1 year) to 0.53 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

YMAG vs. BUYW - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	YMAG	BUYW
Financial Services	99.0%	14.5%
Basic Materials	-	1.0%
Communication Services	-	16.4%
Consumer Cyclical	-	6.4%
Consumer Defensive	-	3.0%
Energy	-	12.7%
Healthcare	-	13.0%
Industrials	-	4.4%
Real Estate	-	0.9%
Technology	-	26.6%
Utilities	-	1.2%

Return for Risk

YMAG vs. BUYW — Risk / Return Rank

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

YMAG

YMAG Risk / Return Rank: 27
YMAG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 29
YMAG Sortino Ratio Rank: 27
YMAG Omega Ratio Rank: 27
YMAG Calmar Ratio Rank: 25
YMAG Martin Ratio Rank: 29

BUYW

BUYW Risk / Return Rank: 77
BUYW Sharpe Ratio Rank: 66
BUYW Sortino Ratio Rank: 74
BUYW Omega Ratio Rank: 74
BUYW Calmar Ratio Rank: 78
BUYW Martin Ratio Rank: 91

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.

YMAG vs. BUYW - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for YieldMax Magnificent 7 Fund of Option Income ETFs (YMAG) and Main Buywrite ETF (BUYW). 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.

	YMAG	BUYW	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.01	2.06	-1.05
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.42	3.13	-1.70
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.18	1.41	-0.23
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.17	3.84	-2.68
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.84	20.54	-16.69

YMAG vs. BUYW - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current YMAG Sharpe Ratio is 1.01, which is lower than the BUYW Sharpe Ratio of 2.06. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of YMAG and BUYW, 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

YMAG vs. BUYW - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum YMAG drawdown since its inception was -25.96%, which is greater than BUYW's maximum drawdown of -9.36%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for YMAG and BUYW.

Drawdown Indicators

	YMAG	BUYW	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-25.96%	-9.36%	-16.60%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.38%	-2.59%	-11.79%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-9.36%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-9.15%	0.00%	-9.15%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.56%	-0.60%	-3.96%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.35%	0.48%	+3.87%

Volatility

YMAG vs. BUYW - Volatility Comparison

YieldMax Magnificent 7 Fund of Option Income ETFs (YMAG) has a higher volatility of 5.86% compared to Main Buywrite ETF (BUYW) at 1.21%. This indicates that YMAG's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than BUYW based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	YMAG	BUYW	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.86%	1.21%	+4.65%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.60%	3.84%	+8.76%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.68%	4.84%	+11.84%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.98%	8.43%	+12.55%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.98%	8.43%	+12.55%

YMAG vs. BUYW - Expense Ratio Comparison

YMAG has a 1.28% expense ratio, which is lower than BUYW's 1.29% expense ratio.

Dividends

YMAG vs. BUYW - Dividend Comparison

YMAG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 53.52%, more than BUYW's 5.89% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
BUYW Main Buywrite ETF	5.89%	5.89%	5.93%	5.95%	0.50%
YMAG YieldMax Magnificent 7 Fund of Option Income ETFs	53.52%	52.27%	35.22%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both YMAG and BUYW in my portfolio?

YMAG and BUYW have a correlation of 0.41, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, YMAG or BUYW?

YMAG has higher volatility (5.86%) compared to BUYW (1.21%). In terms of maximum drawdown, YMAG dropped -25.96% vs BUYW's -9.36%.

Which ETF is better, YMAG or BUYW?

On 1-year performance, YMAG leads with 16.69% vs 9.91% for BUYW. On fees, YMAG is cheaper at 1.28% per year. On volatility, BUYW has been the lower-risk option at 1.21%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, YMAG or BUYW?

Over the 1-year period, YMAG has performed better with a 16.69% return vs 9.91%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, YMAG or BUYW?

YMAG is cheaper with a 1.28% expense ratio, compared with 1.29% for BUYW.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, YMAG or BUYW?

YMAG has the higher dividend yield at 53.52%, compared with 5.89% for BUYW.

What is the main difference between YMAG and BUYW?

They also come from different issuers: YieldMax and Main Funds. Their fees differ too: 1.28% for YMAG and 1.29% for BUYW.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BUYW currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.06 vs 1.01), 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.