RIFR vs VYM
Russell Investments Global Infrastructure ETF 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 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | RIFR | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.59% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $44M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.87% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 67 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +10.89% | +15.34% | |
| 1Y Return | +12.15% | +23.24% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.22% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.9% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -6.8% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Russell Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 13, 2025 | Nov 10, 2006 |
RIFR vs VYM Performance
Russell Investments Global Infrastructure ETF (RIFR) is a ETF from Russell Investments and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year RIFR returned +12.15% while VYM returned +23.24%. Year to date, RIFR is up 10.89% 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 10.9% for RIFR. 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 -6.8% for RIFR 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 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RIFR charges 0.59% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $59 vs $4 annually, a gap of $55 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RIFR currently yields 0.87% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
RIFR and VYM share 18 holdings out of 645 unique holdings combined, representing a 4.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, RIFR or VYM?
RIFR has an expense ratio of 0.59% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $55 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RIFR or VYM?
Over the past year RIFR returned +12.15% vs +23.24% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), RIFR annualized +15.04% vs +7.04% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RIFR or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 10.9% for RIFR. Worst drawdown: RIFR -6.8% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both RIFR and VYM?
RIFR and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between RIFR and VYM?
RIFR and VYM share 18 common holdings with a 4.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 645 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RIFR or VYM?
RIFR yields 0.87% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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