RFDA vs VYM
ALPS Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. RFDA delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | RFDA | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.52% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $85M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.77% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 79 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +17.42% | +14.95% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.17% | +21.14% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.38% | +18.69% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.04% | +12.00% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.2% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.8% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | ALPS Advisors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 6, 2016 | Nov 10, 2006 |
RFDA vs VYM Performance
ALPS Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF (RFDA) is a ETF from ALPS Advisors and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year RFDA returned +22.17% while VYM returned +21.14%. Year to date, RFDA is up 17.42% versus a gain of 14.95% for VYM.
Over three years, RFDA compounded at +20.38% per year against +18.69% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +13.04% and +12.00% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, RFDA has the edge at +12.53% annualized vs +7.01%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
RFDA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.2% 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 -34.8% for RFDA 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 0.92. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RFDA charges 0.52% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $52 vs $4 annually, a gap of $48 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RFDA currently yields 1.77% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
RFDA and VYM share 57 holdings out of 624 unique holdings combined, representing a 31.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, RFDA or VYM?
RFDA has an expense ratio of 0.52% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $48 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RFDA or VYM?
Over the past year RFDA returned +22.17% vs +21.14% for VYM, so RFDA leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), RFDA annualized +12.53% vs +7.01% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RFDA or VYM?
RFDA has been the more volatile fund at 15.2% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: RFDA -34.8% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both RFDA and VYM?
RFDA and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.92, 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 RFDA and VYM?
RFDA and VYM share 57 common holdings with a 31.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 624 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RFDA or VYM?
RFDA yields 1.77% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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