RING vs VYM
iShares MSCI Global Gold Miners ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. RING delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | RING | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.39% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $2.3B | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.37% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 54 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +7.47% | +16.42% | |
| 1Y Return | +62.02% | +24.22% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +55.38% | +19.03% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +26.17% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 38.0% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -80.2% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 31, 2012 | Nov 10, 2006 |
RING vs VYM Performance
iShares MSCI Global Gold Miners ETF (RING) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year RING returned +62.02% while VYM returned +24.22%. Year to date, RING is up 7.47% versus a gain of 16.42% for VYM.
Over three years, RING compounded at +55.38% per year against +19.03% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +26.17% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.10% annualized vs +3.70%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
RING has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 38.0% 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 -80.2% for RING 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 0.23. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RING charges 0.39% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $39 vs $4 annually, a gap of $35 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RING currently yields 1.37% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
RING and VYM share 1 holdings out of 643 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in RING | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NEM | 17.08% | 0.41% | 16.67% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, RING or VYM?
RING has an expense ratio of 0.39% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $35 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RING or VYM?
Over the past year RING returned +62.02% vs +24.22% for VYM, so RING leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), RING annualized +3.70% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RING or VYM?
RING has been the more volatile fund at 38.0% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: RING -80.2% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both RING and VYM?
RING and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.23, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between RING and VYM?
RING and VYM share 1 common holdings with a 0.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 643 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RING or VYM?
RING yields 1.37% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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