RB vs VYM
ProShares Russell 2000 Dynamic Buffer ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. RB offers more diversification with 1,963 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | RB | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.58% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $1M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.29% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 1,963 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +7.09% | +14.84% | |
| 1Y Return | +14.69% | +20.88% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.04% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 3.1% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -2.1% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 24, 2025 | Nov 10, 2006 |
RB vs VYM Performance
ProShares Russell 2000 Dynamic Buffer ETF (RB) is a ETF from ProShares and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year RB returned +14.69% while VYM returned +20.88%. Year to date, RB is up 7.09% versus a gain of 14.84% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 3.1% for RB. 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 -2.1% for RB 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 0.16. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RB charges 0.58% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $58 vs $4 annually, a gap of $54 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RB currently yields 2.29% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
RB and VYM share 182 holdings out of 2372 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, RB or VYM?
RB has an expense ratio of 0.58% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $54 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RB or VYM?
Over the past year RB returned +14.69% vs +20.88% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), RB annualized +14.31% vs +7.01% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RB or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 3.1% for RB. Worst drawdown: RB -2.1% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both RB and VYM?
RB and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.16, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between RB and VYM?
RB and VYM share 182 common holdings with a 2.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2372 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RB or VYM?
RB yields 2.29% while VYM yields 2.24%, so RB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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