RFM vs VYM
RiverNorth Flexible Municipal Income 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 | RFM | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 3.68% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $96M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.81% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 93 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +10.79% | +16.53% | |
| 1Y Return | +14.18% | +25.03% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.36% | +18.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -1.12% | +12.25% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.0% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.8% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | RiverNorth | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 26, 2020 | Nov 10, 2006 |
RFM vs VYM Performance
RiverNorth Flexible Municipal Income Fund, Inc. (RFM) is a ETF from RiverNorth and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year RFM returned +14.18% while VYM returned +25.03%. Year to date, RFM is up 10.79% versus a gain of 16.53% for VYM.
Over three years, RFM compounded at +5.36% per year against +18.54% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are -1.12% and +12.25% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.10% annualized vs +2.72%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
RFM 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 -33.8% for RFM 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 0.57. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RFM charges 3.68% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $368 vs $4 annually, a gap of $364 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RFM currently yields 6.81% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
RFM and VYM share 0 holdings out of 605 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, RFM or VYM?
RFM has an expense ratio of 3.68% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $364 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RFM or VYM?
Over the past year RFM returned +14.18% vs +25.03% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), RFM annualized +2.72% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RFM or VYM?
RFM has been the more volatile fund at 15.0% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: RFM -33.8% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both RFM and VYM?
RFM and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.57, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between RFM and VYM?
RFM and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 605 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RFM or VYM?
RFM yields 6.81% while VYM yields 2.86%, so RFM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.