RA vs VYM
Brookfield Real Assets Income Fund Inc. 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 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | RA | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 2.36% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $772M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 10.02% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 645 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +5.62% | +16.10% | |
| 1Y Return | +8.11% | +25.99% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +1.54% | +18.29% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.28% | +12.35% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.0% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -54.9% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Brookfield Real Assets Income Fund, Inc. | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 2, 2016 | Nov 10, 2006 |
RA vs VYM Performance
Brookfield Real Assets Income Fund Inc. (RA) is a ETF from Brookfield Real Assets Income Fund, Inc. and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year RA returned +8.11% while VYM returned +25.99%. Year to date, RA is up 5.62% versus a gain of 16.10% for VYM.
Over three years, RA compounded at +1.54% per year against +18.29% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +0.28% and +12.35% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.08% annualized vs +0.80%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
RA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.0% 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 -54.9% for RA 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 0.68. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RA charges 2.36% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $236 vs $4 annually, a gap of $232 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RA currently yields 10.02% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
RA and VYM share 23 holdings out of 800 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, RA or VYM?
RA has an expense ratio of 2.36% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $232 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RA or VYM?
Over the past year RA returned +8.11% vs +25.99% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), RA annualized +0.80% vs +7.08% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RA or VYM?
RA has been the more volatile fund at 18.0% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: RA -54.9% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both RA and VYM?
RA and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.68, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between RA and VYM?
RA and VYM share 23 common holdings with a 2.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 800 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RA or VYM?
RA yields 10.02% while VYM yields 2.86%, so RA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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