RMI vs VYM
RiverNorth Opportunistic Municipal Income Fund, Inc. 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 613 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | RMI | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 3.34% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $100M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.91% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 100 | 613 | |
| YTD Return | +10.55% | +14.18% | |
| 1Y Return | +17.37% | +20.67% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.76% | +18.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.75% | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.6% | 14.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -32.7% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | RiverNorth | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 25, 2018 | Nov 10, 2006 |
RMI vs VYM Performance
RiverNorth Opportunistic Municipal Income Fund, Inc. (RMI) is a ETF from RiverNorth and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year RMI returned +17.37% while VYM returned +20.67%. Year to date, RMI is up 10.55% versus a gain of 14.18% for VYM.
Over three years, RMI compounded at +5.76% per year against +18.47% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are -0.75% and +12.01% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +6.97% annualized vs +2.05%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
RMI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.6% compared with 14.5% 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 -32.7% for RMI 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 0.48. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RMI charges 3.34% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $334 vs $4 annually, a gap of $330 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RMI currently yields 6.91% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
RMI and VYM share 0 holdings out of 653 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, RMI or VYM?
RMI has an expense ratio of 3.34% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $330 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RMI or VYM?
Over the past year RMI returned +17.37% vs +20.67% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), RMI annualized +2.05% vs +6.97% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RMI or VYM?
RMI has been the more volatile fund at 15.6% annualized versus 14.5% for VYM. Worst drawdown: RMI -32.7% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both RMI and VYM?
RMI and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.48, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between RMI and VYM?
RMI and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 653 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RMI or VYM?
RMI yields 6.91% while VYM yields 2.24%, so RMI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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