RFI vs VYM
Cohen & Steers Total Return Realty Fund Inc. 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 | RFI | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.89% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $1,524.6 | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 8.12% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 193 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +8.18% | +16.53% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.81% | +25.03% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +7.97% | +18.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.14% | +12.25% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.8% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -80.1% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Cohen & Steers Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 27, 1993 | Nov 10, 2006 |
RFI vs VYM Performance
Cohen & Steers Total Return Realty Fund Inc. (RFI) is a ETF from Cohen & Steers Funds and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year RFI returned +2.81% while VYM returned +25.03%. Year to date, RFI is up 8.18% versus a gain of 16.53% for VYM.
Over three years, RFI compounded at +7.97% per year against +18.54% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +1.14% and +12.25% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.10% annualized vs -0.04%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
RFI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.8% 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 -80.1% for RFI 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 0.73. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RFI charges 0.89% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $89 vs $4 annually, a gap of $85 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RFI currently yields 8.12% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
RFI and VYM share 3 holdings out of 713 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, RFI or VYM?
RFI has an expense ratio of 0.89% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $85 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RFI or VYM?
Over the past year RFI returned +2.81% vs +25.03% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), RFI annualized -0.04% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RFI or VYM?
RFI has been the more volatile fund at 22.8% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: RFI -80.1% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both RFI and VYM?
RFI and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.73, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between RFI and VYM?
RFI and VYM share 3 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 713 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RFI or VYM?
RFI yields 8.12% while VYM yields 2.86%, so RFI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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