CEFZ vs VYM
RiverNorth Active Income ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CEFZ | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 2.82% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $42M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 11.00% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 51 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +1.75% | +15.60% | |
| 1Y Return | +7.98% | +23.48% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.07% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.50% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 9.5% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -8.3% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | RiverNorth | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 27, 2006 | Nov 10, 2006 |
CEFZ vs VYM Performance
RiverNorth Active Income ETF (CEFZ) is a ETF from RiverNorth and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year CEFZ returned +7.98% while VYM returned +23.48%. Year to date, CEFZ is up 1.75% versus a gain of 15.60% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 9.5% for CEFZ. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -8.3% for CEFZ and -58.8% for VYM. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CEFZ charges 2.82% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $282 vs $4 annually, a gap of $278 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CEFZ currently yields 11.00% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
CEFZ and VYM share 0 holdings out of 650 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CEFZ or VYM?
CEFZ has an expense ratio of 2.82% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $278 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CEFZ or VYM?
Over the past year CEFZ returned +7.98% vs +23.48% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), CEFZ annualized +8.50% vs +7.05% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CEFZ or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 9.5% for CEFZ. Worst drawdown: CEFZ -8.3% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both CEFZ and VYM?
CEFZ and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CEFZ and VYM?
CEFZ and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 650 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CEFZ or VYM?
CEFZ yields 11.00% while VYM yields 2.24%, so CEFZ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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