RCTR vs VYM
RCTR vs VYM
First Trust Bloomberg Nuclear Power 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 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | RCTR | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.70% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $26M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.40% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 52 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +2.47% | +15.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +11.17% | +26.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 25.9% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -19.0% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 30, 2025 | Nov 10, 2006 |
RCTR vs VYM Performance
First Trust Bloomberg Nuclear Power ETF (RCTR) 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 RCTR returned +11.17% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, RCTR is up 2.47% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
RCTR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 25.9% 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 -19.0% for RCTR 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 0.50. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RCTR charges 0.70% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $70 vs $4 annually, a gap of $66 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RCTR currently yields 0.40% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
RCTR and VYM share 4 holdings out of 599 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, RCTR or VYM?
RCTR has an expense ratio of 0.70% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $66 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RCTR or VYM?
Over the past year RCTR returned +11.17% vs +26.12% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), RCTR annualized +13.52% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RCTR or VYM?
RCTR has been the more volatile fund at 25.9% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: RCTR -19.0% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both RCTR and VYM?
RCTR and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.50, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between RCTR and VYM?
RCTR and VYM share 4 common holdings with a 1.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 599 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RCTR or VYM?
RCTR yields 0.40% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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