ROKT vs VYM

Quick Verdict

VYM has a lower expense ratio. ROKT delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.

Lower Fees: VYMHigher Returns: ROKTMore Diversified: VYM

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricROKTVYMWinner
Expense Ratio0.45%0.04%
AUM$233M$79.0B
Dividend Yield0.26%2.86%
Holdings39568
YTD Return+36.29%+16.16%
1Y Return+75.38%+26.05%
3Y Return (annualized)+41.81%+18.43%
5Y Return (annualized)+24.43%+12.21%
Volatility (annualized)24.9%14.6%
Max Drawdown-43.3%-58.8%
Fund FamilyState Street Investment ManagementVanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionOct 19, 2018Nov 10, 2006

ROKT vs VYM Performance

State Street SPDR S&P Kensho Final Frontiers ETF (ROKT) 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 ROKT returned +75.38% while VYM returned +26.05%. Year to date, ROKT is up 36.29% versus a gain of 16.16% for VYM.

Over three years, ROKT compounded at +41.81% per year against +18.43% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +24.43% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, ROKT has the edge at +20.22% annualized vs +7.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

ROKT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 24.9% 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 -43.3% for ROKT 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 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

ROKT charges 0.45% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $45 vs $4 annually, a gap of $41 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ROKT currently yields 0.26% against 2.86% for VYM.

Holdings Overlap

1.4%overlap

ROKT and VYM share 2 holdings out of 561 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.4% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in ROKTWeight in VYMDifference
ADI2.14%0.77%1.37%
HON1.72%0.68%1.04%

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, ROKT or VYM?

ROKT has an expense ratio of 0.45% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $41 per year of difference.

Which performed better, ROKT or VYM?

Over the past year ROKT returned +75.38% vs +26.05% for VYM, so ROKT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), ROKT annualized +20.22% vs +7.09% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, ROKT or VYM?

ROKT has been the more volatile fund at 24.9% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: ROKT -43.3% vs VYM -58.8%.

Should I hold both ROKT and VYM?

ROKT and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between ROKT and VYM?

ROKT and VYM share 2 common holdings with a 1.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 561 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, ROKT or VYM?

ROKT yields 0.26% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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