RSF vs VYM
RiverNorth Capital and Income Fund, Inc. 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 | RSF | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 5.25% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $52M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 8.16% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 9,730 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +7.92% | +16.10% | |
| 1Y Return | +8.84% | +25.99% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +8.38% | +18.29% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.44% | +12.35% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 8.6% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -44.2% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | RiverNorth | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 22, 2016 | Nov 10, 2006 |
RSF vs VYM Performance
RiverNorth Capital and Income Fund, Inc. (RSF) is a ETF from RiverNorth and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year RSF returned +8.84% while VYM returned +25.99%. Year to date, RSF is up 7.92% versus a gain of 16.10% for VYM.
Over three years, RSF compounded at +8.38% per year against +18.29% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +4.44% and +12.35% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.08% annualized vs +0.08%. 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 8.6% for RSF. 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 -44.2% for RSF 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 0.34. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RSF charges 5.25% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $525 vs $4 annually, a gap of $521 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RSF currently yields 8.16% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
RSF and VYM share 0 holdings out of 575 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, RSF or VYM?
RSF has an expense ratio of 5.25% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $521 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RSF or VYM?
Over the past year RSF returned +8.84% vs +25.99% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), RSF annualized +0.08% vs +7.08% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RSF or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 8.6% for RSF. Worst drawdown: RSF -44.2% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both RSF and VYM?
RSF and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.34, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between RSF and VYM?
RSF and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 575 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RSF or VYM?
RSF yields 8.16% while VYM yields 2.86%, so RSF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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