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ETF Comparison

PAYM vs VAIE: Which Is the Better Pick in 2026?

A head-to-head comparison of TrueShares S&P Autocallable Defensive Income ETF and VegaShares US Equity Autocallable Income ETF covering yield, cost, risk, and income potential.

Data updated July 31, 2026

ETFs19
Total AUM$1.12B

ETFs and AUM reflect what Dividend Vision tracks — the issuer's full lineup may be larger.

See our curated list of related YouTube videos on PAYM.

ETFs3
Total AUM$24.7M

ETFs and AUM reflect what Dividend Vision tracks — the issuer's full lineup may be larger.

VegaShares operates a focused suite of two income-focused ETFs designed to generate regular distributions through options strategies and dividend investing. The firm's lineup includes ODTE and VAIE, both emphasizing yield generation for investors seeking regular cash flow. With a specialized niche in options-based and dividend income strategies, VegaShares targets investors prioritizing distributions over capital appreciation.

See our curated list of related YouTube videos on VAIE.

Side-by-side snapshot

PAYMVAIE
Full nameTrueShares S&P Autocallable Defensive Income ETFVegaShares US Equity Autocallable Income ETF
IssuerTrueSharesVegaShares
Last Close$25.08 as of July 31, 2026$24.38 as of July 31, 2026
Distribution yield9.90%16.64%
Distribution Safety Score™ 5050
Expense ratio0.74%0.74%
AUM$126M$19.7M
Distribution frequencyMonthlyWeekly
Underlying indexNYSE U.S. 500 Adaptive Vol Autocallable Index
ObjectiveAutocallable Income
Asset classEquityEquity
Inception date12/29/202505/12/2026
Last dividend$0.2069$0.0780
Ex-dividend date06/30/202607/23/2026

Bottom lineChoose PAYM if you want broad equity exposure. Choose VAIE if you want to maximize current income — roughly 16.64%, generated by selling options premium. There's no free lunch: VAIE's payout comes from selling options, which caps upside and can erode the share price over time, while PAYM keeps full price exposure.

Income calculator

See how much monthly income a hypothetical investment would generate in each ETF at current yields.

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Visual comparison

Key metrics

Projected income on $10K

Projections assume the current yield and share price remain constant. Actual results will vary.

Total returns

PAYM has outpaced VAIE over the year to date, posting a 5.62% total return against 0.50%. Figures are total returns: price change plus every distribution reinvested.

SymbolYTDSince May 2026
PAYM5.62%-0.93%
VAIE0.50%0.50%

Total return with all distributions reinvested on the ex-dividend date, split-adjusted, as of July 31, 2026. YTD and 1Y are cumulative; longer windows are annualized. “Since May 2026” measures every fund from May 12, 2026 — the youngest fund's first trading day — so all funds share one comparison window.

Quick verdict

PAYM (TrueShares S&P Autocallable Defensive Income ETF) and VAIE (VegaShares US Equity Autocallable Income ETF) are both dividend ETFs, but they take different approaches.

VAIE offers the higher yield at 16.64% vs 9.90% for PAYM. A higher yield means more current income per dollar invested, though it may come with different risk characteristics.

PAYM has $126M in assets vs $19.7M for VAIE, but VAIE only launched May 2026 — AUM comparisons will become more meaningful as it builds a track record.

Who should choose each?

Choose PAYM

TrueShares S&P Autocallable Defensive Income ETF

  • Want broad equity exposure.
  • Prefer an established track record — VAIE only launched May 2026.

Choose VAIE

VegaShares US Equity Autocallable Income ETF

  • Want to maximize current income — VAIE distributes roughly 16.64% from selling options premium, vs 9.90% for PAYM.
  • Are comfortable with an options-income strategy — a large payout in exchange for capped upside.

Not sure? Use the income calculator and snapshot above to weigh these trade-offs against your own goals.

Deep dive

Yield & income

On a $10,000 investment, PAYM would generate roughly $82.50/month, while VAIE would produce $138.67/month, at current distribution rates.

PAYM yield9.90%
VAIE yield16.64%
Monthly diff on $10K$56.17

Cost & efficiency

Over 10 years on $10,000, PAYM would cost approximately $740 in fees vs $740 for VAIE (simplified, not compounded). Both charge the same expense ratio.

PAYM ER0.74%
VAIE ER0.74%

Strategy & risk

PAYM is an ETF, while VAIE tracks NYSE U.S. 500 Adaptive Vol Autocallable Index with an autocallable income approach.

Fund details

PAYM is managed by TrueShares (launched 12/29/2025) with $126M in assets. VAIE is managed by VegaShares (launched 05/12/2026) with $19.7M in assets.

PAYM AUM$126M
VAIE AUM$19.7M

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Frequently asked questions

Is PAYM or VAIE better for dividend income?

It depends on your goals. VAIE currently offers the higher distribution yield, which means more income per dollar invested. However, a lower-yield fund may offer better total return or lower volatility. Consider your time horizon and risk tolerance.

What is the difference between PAYM and VAIE?

PAYM (TrueShares S&P Autocallable Defensive Income ETF) is an ETF, while VAIE (VegaShares US Equity Autocallable Income ETF) tracks NYSE U.S. 500 Adaptive Vol Autocallable Index with an autocallable income approach. They are issued by TrueShares and VegaShares respectively.

Can I hold both PAYM and VAIE?

Yes — nothing prevents holding both. Whether the combination actually diversifies depends on how much the underlying exposures overlap, which isn't fully measurable from the data on this page; review each security's holdings, sector, and strategy before treating them as complementary.

Which has lower fees, PAYM or VAIE?

PAYM and VAIE both charge the same expense ratio of 0.74%, so neither is cheaper on fees — pick based on yield, strategy, or underlying index instead.

How much income does $10,000 in PAYM vs VAIE generate?

At current rates, $10,000 in PAYM would generate roughly $82.50 per month ($990.00 annually). The same in VAIE would produce about $138.67 per month ($1,664.00 annually).

Which has performed better historically, PAYM or VAIE?

PAYM has outpaced VAIE over the year to date, posting a 5.62% total return against 0.50%. Figures are total returns: price change plus every distribution reinvested. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

More comparisons to explore

Learn the method

The metrics behind this comparison, explained in the Academy.

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