RLY vs VYM
State Street Multi-Asset Real Return ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. RLY delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 568 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | RLY | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $1.3B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.20% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 13 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +16.51% | +16.78% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.81% | +24.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.88% | +18.60% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.82% | +12.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.5% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -46.2% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 25, 2012 | Nov 10, 2006 |
RLY vs VYM Performance
State Street Multi-Asset Real Return ETF (RLY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year RLY returned +26.81% while VYM returned +24.43%. Year to date, RLY is up 16.51% versus a gain of 16.78% for VYM.
Over three years, RLY compounded at +13.88% per year against +18.60% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +10.82% and +12.30% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.11% annualized vs +3.40%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 12.5% for RLY. 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 -46.2% for RLY 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 0.81. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RLY 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, RLY currently yields 3.20% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
RLY and VYM share 0 holdings out of 562 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, RLY or VYM?
RLY 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, RLY or VYM?
Over the past year RLY returned +26.81% vs +24.43% for VYM, so RLY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), RLY annualized +3.40% vs +7.11% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RLY or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 12.5% for RLY. Worst drawdown: RLY -46.2% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both RLY and VYM?
RLY and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.81, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between RLY and VYM?
RLY and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 562 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RLY or VYM?
RLY yields 3.20% while VYM yields 2.86%, so RLY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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