JRI vs VYM
Nuveen Real Asset Income and Growth Fund 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 | JRI | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 3.97% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | - | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 11.87% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 413 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | -0.57% | +16.42% | |
| 1Y Return | +6.00% | +24.22% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.68% | +19.03% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.47% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.1% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -64.3% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 25, 2012 | Nov 10, 2006 |
JRI vs VYM Performance
Nuveen Real Asset Income and Growth Fund (JRI) is a ETF from Nuveen and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year JRI returned +6.00% while VYM returned +24.22%. Year to date, JRI is down 0.57% versus a gain of 16.42% for VYM.
Over three years, JRI compounded at +16.68% per year against +19.03% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +5.47% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.10% annualized vs +1.01%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
JRI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.1% compared with 14.6% for VYM. 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 -64.3% for JRI 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 0.74. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
JRI charges 3.97% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $397 vs $4 annually, a gap of $393 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, JRI currently yields 11.87% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
JRI and VYM share 32 holdings out of 818 unique holdings combined, representing a 4.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, JRI or VYM?
JRI has an expense ratio of 3.97% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $393 per year of difference.
Which performed better, JRI or VYM?
Over the past year JRI returned +6.00% vs +24.22% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), JRI annualized +1.01% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, JRI or VYM?
JRI has been the more volatile fund at 20.1% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: JRI -64.3% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both JRI and VYM?
JRI and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.74, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between JRI and VYM?
JRI and VYM share 32 common holdings with a 4.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 818 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, JRI or VYM?
JRI yields 11.87% while VYM yields 2.24%, so JRI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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