ROUS vs VYM
Hartford Multifactor US Equity ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. ROUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ROUS | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.19% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $763M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.33% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 325 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +18.26% | +14.95% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.37% | +21.14% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.84% | +18.69% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.13% | +12.00% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -35.5% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Hartford Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 25, 2015 | Nov 10, 2006 |
ROUS vs VYM Performance
Hartford Multifactor US Equity ETF (ROUS) is a ETF from Hartford Funds and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ROUS returned +24.37% while VYM returned +21.14%. Year to date, ROUS is up 18.26% versus a gain of 14.95% for VYM.
Over three years, ROUS compounded at +19.84% per year against +18.69% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +12.13% and +12.00% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, ROUS has the edge at +10.00% annualized vs +7.01%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ROUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% 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 -35.5% for ROUS 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 0.93. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ROUS charges 0.19% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $19 vs $4 annually, a gap of $15 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ROUS currently yields 1.33% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
ROUS and VYM share 168 holdings out of 757 unique holdings combined, representing a 30.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ROUS or VYM?
ROUS has an expense ratio of 0.19% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $15 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ROUS or VYM?
Over the past year ROUS returned +24.37% vs +21.14% for VYM, so ROUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), ROUS annualized +10.00% vs +7.01% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ROUS or VYM?
ROUS has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: ROUS -35.5% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both ROUS and VYM?
ROUS and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.93, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between ROUS and VYM?
ROUS and VYM share 168 common holdings with a 30.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 757 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ROUS or VYM?
ROUS yields 1.33% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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