RILA vs VYM
Indexperts Gorilla Aggressive Growth 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 | RILA | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $46M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.11% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 172 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +8.17% | +14.95% | |
| 1Y Return | +9.26% | +21.14% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.69% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.00% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.8% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -20.0% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Indexperts | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 31, 2024 | Nov 10, 2006 |
RILA vs VYM Performance
Indexperts Gorilla Aggressive Growth ETF (RILA) is a ETF from Indexperts and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year RILA returned +9.26% while VYM returned +21.14%. Year to date, RILA is up 8.17% versus a gain of 14.95% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
RILA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.8% 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 -20.0% for RILA 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 0.42. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RILA charges 0.50% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $4 annually, a gap of $46 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RILA currently yields 0.11% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
RILA and VYM share 18 holdings out of 755 unique holdings combined, representing a 10.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, RILA or VYM?
RILA has an expense ratio of 0.50% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $46 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RILA or VYM?
Over the past year RILA returned +9.26% vs +21.14% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), RILA annualized +14.02% vs +7.01% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RILA or VYM?
RILA has been the more volatile fund at 15.8% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: RILA -20.0% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both RILA and VYM?
RILA and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.42, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between RILA and VYM?
RILA and VYM share 18 common holdings with a 10.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 755 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RILA or VYM?
RILA yields 0.11% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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