REGL vs VYM
ProShares S&P MidCap 400 Dividend Aristocrats 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 | REGL | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.40% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $1.8B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.22% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 66 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +12.26% | +16.53% | |
| 1Y Return | +13.76% | +25.03% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.36% | +18.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.78% | +12.25% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.0% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -36.4% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 3, 2015 | Nov 10, 2006 |
REGL vs VYM Performance
ProShares S&P MidCap 400 Dividend Aristocrats ETF (REGL) is a ETF from ProShares and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year REGL returned +13.76% while VYM returned +25.03%. Year to date, REGL is up 12.26% versus a gain of 16.53% for VYM.
Over three years, REGL compounded at +12.36% per year against +18.54% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +7.78% and +12.25% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, REGL has the edge at +9.97% annualized vs +7.10%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
REGL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.0% 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 -36.4% for REGL 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 0.91. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
REGL charges 0.40% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $40 vs $4 annually, a gap of $36 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, REGL currently yields 2.22% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
REGL and VYM share 40 holdings out of 583 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, REGL or VYM?
REGL has an expense ratio of 0.40% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $36 per year of difference.
Which performed better, REGL or VYM?
Over the past year REGL returned +13.76% vs +25.03% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), REGL annualized +9.97% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, REGL or VYM?
REGL has been the more volatile fund at 15.0% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: REGL -36.4% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both REGL and VYM?
REGL and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.91, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between REGL and VYM?
REGL and VYM share 40 common holdings with a 1.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 583 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, REGL or VYM?
REGL yields 2.22% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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