RDOG vs VYM
RDOG vs VYM
ALPS REIT Dividend Dogs 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 | RDOG | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.35% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $12M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.12% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 46 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +17.88% | +15.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.80% | +26.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.55% | +18.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.41% | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.3% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -70.5% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | ALPS Advisors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 7, 2008 | Nov 10, 2006 |
RDOG vs VYM Performance
ALPS REIT Dividend Dogs ETF (RDOG) is a ETF from ALPS Advisors and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year RDOG returned +23.80% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, RDOG is up 17.88% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.
Over three years, RDOG compounded at +10.55% per year against +18.25% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +2.41% and +12.51% respectively. Across the full 18-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.07% annualized vs +0.95%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
RDOG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.3% 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 -70.5% for RDOG 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 0.83. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RDOG charges 0.35% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $35 vs $4 annually, a gap of $31 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RDOG currently yields 6.12% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
RDOG and VYM share 0 holdings out of 601 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, RDOG or VYM?
RDOG has an expense ratio of 0.35% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $31 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RDOG or VYM?
Over the past year RDOG returned +23.80% vs +26.12% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (18 years), RDOG annualized +0.95% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RDOG or VYM?
RDOG has been the more volatile fund at 21.3% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: RDOG -70.5% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both RDOG and VYM?
RDOG and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.83, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between RDOG and VYM?
RDOG and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 601 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RDOG or VYM?
RDOG yields 6.12% while VYM yields 2.86%, so RDOG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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