ROUS vs VYM

Quick Verdict

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

Lower Fees: VYMHigher Returns: ROUSMore Diversified: VYM

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricROUSVYMWinner
Expense Ratio0.19%0.04%
AUM$695M$79.0B
Dividend Yield1.31%2.86%
Holdings323568
YTD Return+18.10%+15.80%
1Y Return+28.51%+26.12%
3Y Return (annualized)+19.34%+18.25%
5Y Return (annualized)+12.39%+12.51%
Volatility (annualized)14.6%14.6%
Max Drawdown-35.5%-58.8%
Fund FamilyHartford FundsVanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionFeb 25, 2015Nov 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 +28.51% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, ROUS is up 18.10% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.

Over three years, ROUS compounded at +19.34% per year against +18.25% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +12.39% and +12.51% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, ROUS has the edge at +10.04% annualized vs +7.07%. 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 1.31% against 2.86% for VYM.

Holdings Overlap

31.4%overlap

ROUS and VYM share 159 holdings out of 721 unique holdings combined, representing a 31.4% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in ROUSWeight in VYMDifference
AVGO0.39%6.47%6.08%
JNJ0.94%2.62%1.68%
XOM0.45%2.83%2.38%
WMTProProPro
CSCOProProPro
MRKProProPro
ABBVProProPro
PGProProPro
VZProProPro
HDProProPro
See all 10 holdings ROUS shares with VYM
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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 +28.51% vs +26.12% for VYM, so ROUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), ROUS annualized +10.04% vs +7.07% 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 159 common holdings with a 31.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 721 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, ROUS or VYM?

ROUS yields 1.31% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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