RDTY vs VYM
YieldMax Russell 2000 0DTE Covered Call Strategy ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. RDTY delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | RDTY | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.73% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $31M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 43.62% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 4 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +19.71% | +15.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.91% | +26.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -16.2% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | YieldMax ETF | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 5, 2025 | Nov 10, 2006 |
RDTY vs VYM Performance
YieldMax Russell 2000 0DTE Covered Call Strategy ETF (RDTY) is a ETF from YieldMax ETF and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year RDTY returned +26.91% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, RDTY is up 19.71% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
RDTY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% 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 -16.2% for RDTY 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 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RDTY charges 1.73% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $173 vs $4 annually, a gap of $169 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RDTY currently yields 43.62% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
RDTY and VYM share 0 holdings out of 559 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, RDTY or VYM?
RDTY has an expense ratio of 1.73% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $169 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RDTY or VYM?
Over the past year RDTY returned +26.91% vs +26.12% for VYM, so RDTY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), RDTY annualized +32.57% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RDTY or VYM?
RDTY has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: RDTY -16.2% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both RDTY and VYM?
RDTY and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between RDTY and VYM?
RDTY and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 559 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RDTY or VYM?
RDTY yields 43.62% while VYM yields 2.86%, so RDTY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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