RPAR vs VYM
RPAR Risk Parity ETF 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 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | RPAR | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.52% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $574M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.58% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 138 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +4.39% | +16.78% | |
| 1Y Return | +12.54% | +24.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +9.25% | +18.60% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.75% | +12.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.4% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -30.2% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Rpar ETF | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 12, 2019 | Nov 10, 2006 |
RPAR vs VYM Performance
RPAR Risk Parity ETF (RPAR) is a ETF from Rpar ETF and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year RPAR returned +12.54% while VYM returned +24.43%. Year to date, RPAR is up 4.39% versus a gain of 16.78% for VYM.
Over three years, RPAR compounded at +9.25% per year against +18.60% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +0.75% and +12.30% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.11% annualized vs +3.92%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 13.4% for RPAR. 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 -30.2% for RPAR 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 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RPAR charges 0.52% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $52 vs $4 annually, a gap of $48 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RPAR currently yields 2.58% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
RPAR and VYM share 19 holdings out of 668 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, RPAR or VYM?
RPAR has an expense ratio of 0.52% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $48 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RPAR or VYM?
Over the past year RPAR returned +12.54% vs +24.43% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), RPAR annualized +3.92% vs +7.11% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RPAR or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 13.4% for RPAR. Worst drawdown: RPAR -30.2% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both RPAR and VYM?
RPAR and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between RPAR and VYM?
RPAR and VYM share 19 common holdings with a 3.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 668 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RPAR or VYM?
RPAR yields 2.58% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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