RFFC vs VYM
ALPS Active Equity Opportunity ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. RFFC delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | RFFC | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.48% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $30M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.91% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 58 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +14.40% | +16.10% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.34% | +25.99% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.39% | +18.29% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.24% | +12.35% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.2% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -36.5% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | ALPS Advisors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 6, 2016 | Nov 10, 2006 |
RFFC vs VYM Performance
ALPS Active Equity Opportunity ETF (RFFC) is a ETF from ALPS Advisors and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year RFFC returned +26.34% while VYM returned +25.99%. Year to date, RFFC is up 14.40% versus a gain of 16.10% for VYM.
Over three years, RFFC compounded at +21.39% per year against +18.29% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +12.24% and +12.35% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, RFFC has the edge at +12.22% annualized vs +7.08%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
RFFC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.2% 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 -36.5% for RFFC 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 0.90. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RFFC charges 0.48% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $48 vs $4 annually, a gap of $44 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RFFC currently yields 0.91% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
RFFC and VYM share 20 holdings out of 595 unique holdings combined, representing a 19.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, RFFC or VYM?
RFFC has an expense ratio of 0.48% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $44 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RFFC or VYM?
Over the past year RFFC returned +26.34% vs +25.99% for VYM, so RFFC leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), RFFC annualized +12.22% vs +7.08% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RFFC or VYM?
RFFC has been the more volatile fund at 16.2% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: RFFC -36.5% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both RFFC and VYM?
RFFC and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.90, 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 RFFC and VYM?
RFFC and VYM share 20 common holdings with a 19.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 595 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RFFC or VYM?
RFFC yields 0.91% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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