RSBA vs VYM
Return Stacked Bonds & Merger Arbitrage 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 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | RSBA | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.01% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $53M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.88% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 16 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | -0.95% | +16.42% | |
| 1Y Return | -2.41% | +24.22% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.03% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.9% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -5.5% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Return Stacked ETF | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 17, 2024 | Nov 10, 2006 |
RSBA vs VYM Performance
Return Stacked Bonds & Merger Arbitrage ETF (RSBA) is a ETF from Return Stacked ETF and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year RSBA returned -2.41% while VYM returned +24.22%. Year to date, RSBA is down 0.95% versus a gain of 16.42% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 4.9% for RSBA. 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 -5.5% for RSBA 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 0.28. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RSBA charges 1.01% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $101 vs $4 annually, a gap of $97 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RSBA currently yields 2.88% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
RSBA and VYM share 1 holdings out of 613 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in RSBA | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| WBS | 12.48% | 0.05% | 12.43% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, RSBA or VYM?
RSBA has an expense ratio of 1.01% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $97 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RSBA or VYM?
Over the past year RSBA returned -2.41% vs +24.22% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), RSBA annualized +1.86% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RSBA or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 4.9% for RSBA. Worst drawdown: RSBA -5.5% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both RSBA and VYM?
RSBA and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.28, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between RSBA and VYM?
RSBA and VYM share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 613 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RSBA or VYM?
RSBA yields 2.88% while VYM yields 2.24%, so RSBA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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