ROAM vs VYM
Hartford Multifactor Emerging Markets ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. ROAM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ROAM | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.44% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $107M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.37% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 327 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +21.04% | +16.16% | |
| 1Y Return | +36.27% | +26.05% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.36% | +18.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.33% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.3% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -48.6% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Hartford Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 25, 2015 | Nov 10, 2006 |
ROAM vs VYM Performance
Hartford Multifactor Emerging Markets ETF (ROAM) is a ETF from Hartford Funds and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ROAM returned +36.27% while VYM returned +26.05%. Year to date, ROAM is up 21.04% versus a gain of 16.16% for VYM.
Over three years, ROAM compounded at +22.36% per year against +18.43% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +11.33% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.09% annualized vs +4.81%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ROAM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.3% 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 -48.6% for ROAM 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 0.71. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ROAM charges 0.44% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $44 vs $4 annually, a gap of $40 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ROAM currently yields 2.37% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
ROAM and VYM share 1 holdings out of 883 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in ROAM | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| TEL | 0.19% | 0.30% | 0.11% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ROAM or VYM?
ROAM has an expense ratio of 0.44% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $40 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ROAM or VYM?
Over the past year ROAM returned +36.27% vs +26.05% for VYM, so ROAM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), ROAM annualized +4.81% vs +7.09% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ROAM or VYM?
ROAM has been the more volatile fund at 16.3% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: ROAM -48.6% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both ROAM and VYM?
ROAM and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.71, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ROAM and VYM?
ROAM and VYM share 1 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 883 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ROAM or VYM?
ROAM yields 2.37% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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