RBLD vs VYM
First Trust Alerian US NextGen Infrastructure 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 | RBLD | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $58M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.97% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 104 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +14.21% | +15.25% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.05% | +22.18% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.20% | +18.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.09% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.6% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -19.1% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 13, 2008 | Nov 10, 2006 |
RBLD vs VYM Performance
First Trust Alerian US NextGen Infrastructure ETF (RBLD) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year RBLD returned +19.05% while VYM returned +22.18%. Year to date, RBLD is up 14.21% versus a gain of 15.25% for VYM.
Over three years, RBLD compounded at +19.20% per year against +18.83% for VYM. Across the full 4-year window we track, RBLD has the edge at +16.14% annualized vs +7.03%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
RBLD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.6% 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 -19.1% for RBLD 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 0.85. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RBLD charges 0.65% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $65 vs $4 annually, a gap of $61 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RBLD currently yields 0.97% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
RBLD and VYM share 55 holdings out of 648 unique holdings combined, representing a 13.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, RBLD or VYM?
RBLD has an expense ratio of 0.65% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $61 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RBLD or VYM?
Over the past year RBLD returned +19.05% vs +22.18% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), RBLD annualized +16.14% vs +7.03% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RBLD or VYM?
RBLD has been the more volatile fund at 16.6% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: RBLD -19.1% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both RBLD and VYM?
RBLD and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.85, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between RBLD and VYM?
RBLD and VYM share 55 common holdings with a 13.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 648 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RBLD or VYM?
RBLD yields 0.97% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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