RGEF vs VYM
Rockefeller Global Equity ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. RGEF delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | RGEF | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.55% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $838M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.96% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 71 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +14.30% | +15.34% | |
| 1Y Return | +25.03% | +23.24% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.22% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 11.8% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -16.0% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Rockefeller Capital Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 25, 2024 | Nov 10, 2006 |
RGEF vs VYM Performance
Rockefeller Global Equity ETF (RGEF) is a ETF from Rockefeller Capital Management and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year RGEF returned +25.03% while VYM returned +23.24%. Year to date, RGEF is up 14.30% 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 11.8% for RGEF. 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 -16.0% for RGEF 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 0.74. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RGEF charges 0.55% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $55 vs $4 annually, a gap of $51 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RGEF currently yields 0.96% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
RGEF and VYM share 11 holdings out of 661 unique holdings combined, representing a 6.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, RGEF or VYM?
RGEF has an expense ratio of 0.55% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $51 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RGEF or VYM?
Over the past year RGEF returned +25.03% vs +23.24% for VYM, so RGEF leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), RGEF annualized +21.42% vs +7.04% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RGEF or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 11.8% for RGEF. Worst drawdown: RGEF -16.0% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both RGEF and VYM?
RGEF and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.74, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between RGEF and VYM?
RGEF and VYM share 11 common holdings with a 6.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 661 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RGEF or VYM?
RGEF yields 0.96% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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