RSMR vs VYM
FT Vest US Equity Equal Weight Buffer ETF - March 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 | RSMR | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $11M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +10.00% | +16.53% | |
| 1Y Return | +14.72% | +25.03% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.25% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.0% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -9.1% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 21, 2025 | Nov 10, 2006 |
RSMR vs VYM Performance
FT Vest US Equity Equal Weight Buffer ETF - March (RSMR) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year RSMR returned +14.72% while VYM returned +25.03%. Year to date, RSMR is up 10.00% versus a gain of 16.53% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 5.0% for RSMR. 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 -9.1% for RSMR 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 0.90. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RSMR charges 0.85% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $4 annually, a gap of $81 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RSMR currently yields 0.00% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
RSMR and VYM share 0 holdings out of 559 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, RSMR or VYM?
RSMR has an expense ratio of 0.85% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $81 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RSMR or VYM?
Over the past year RSMR returned +14.72% vs +25.03% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), RSMR annualized +13.42% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RSMR or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 5.0% for RSMR. Worst drawdown: RSMR -9.1% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both RSMR and VYM?
RSMR and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.90, 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 RSMR and VYM?
RSMR and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 559 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RSMR or VYM?
RSMR yields 0.00% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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