RGLO vs VYM
Russell Investments Global Equity ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. RGLO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | RGLO | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.49% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | - | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.57% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 384 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +12.33% | +14.66% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.76% | +22.16% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.72% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.3% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -9.6% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Russell Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 29, 2025 | Nov 10, 2006 |
RGLO vs VYM Performance
Russell Investments Global Equity ETF (RGLO) is a ETF from Russell Investments and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year RGLO returned +22.76% while VYM returned +22.16%. Year to date, RGLO is up 12.33% versus a gain of 14.66% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 10.3% for RGLO. 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 -9.6% for RGLO 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 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RGLO charges 0.49% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $49 vs $4 annually, a gap of $45 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RGLO currently yields 0.57% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
RGLO and VYM share 39 holdings out of 905 unique holdings combined, representing a 12.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, RGLO or VYM?
RGLO has an expense ratio of 0.49% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $45 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RGLO or VYM?
Over the past year RGLO returned +22.76% vs +22.16% for VYM, so RGLO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), RGLO annualized +25.54% vs +7.01% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RGLO or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 10.3% for RGLO. Worst drawdown: RGLO -9.6% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both RGLO and VYM?
RGLO and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between RGLO and VYM?
RGLO and VYM share 39 common holdings with a 12.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 905 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RGLO or VYM?
RGLO yields 0.57% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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