RFLR vs VYM
Innovator US Small Cap Managed Floor ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. RFLR delivered stronger 1-year returns. RFLR offers more diversification with 841 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | RFLR | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.89% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $95M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.60% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 841 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +16.06% | +15.34% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.27% | +23.24% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.22% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 11.3% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -15.5% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Innovator ETFs Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 17, 2024 | Nov 10, 2006 |
RFLR vs VYM Performance
Innovator US Small Cap Managed Floor ETF (RFLR) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year RFLR returned +26.27% while VYM returned +23.24%. Year to date, RFLR is up 16.06% versus a gain of 15.34% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 11.3% for RFLR. 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 -15.5% for RFLR 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 0.67. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RFLR 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, RFLR currently yields 0.60% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
RFLR and VYM share 143 holdings out of 1254 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, RFLR or VYM?
RFLR 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, RFLR or VYM?
Over the past year RFLR returned +26.27% vs +23.24% for VYM, so RFLR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), RFLR annualized +16.15% vs +7.04% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RFLR or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 11.3% for RFLR. Worst drawdown: RFLR -15.5% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both RFLR and VYM?
RFLR and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.67, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between RFLR and VYM?
RFLR and VYM share 143 common holdings with a 2.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1254 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RFLR or VYM?
RFLR yields 0.60% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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