RSPU vs VYM
Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight Utilities 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 | RSPU | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.40% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $538M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.55% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 33 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +4.34% | +14.66% | |
| 1Y Return | +5.76% | +22.16% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.18% | +18.72% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.43% | +12.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.5% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -51.3% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 1, 2006 | Nov 10, 2006 |
RSPU vs VYM Performance
Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight Utilities ETF (RSPU) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year RSPU returned +5.76% while VYM returned +22.16%. Year to date, RSPU is up 4.34% versus a gain of 14.66% for VYM.
Over three years, RSPU compounded at +16.18% per year against +18.72% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +9.43% and +12.18% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.01% annualized vs +6.16%. 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 14.5% for RSPU. 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 -51.3% for RSPU 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 0.63. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RSPU charges 0.40% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $40 vs $4 annually, a gap of $36 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RSPU currently yields 2.55% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
RSPU and VYM share 28 holdings out of 606 unique holdings combined, representing a 5.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, RSPU or VYM?
RSPU has an expense ratio of 0.40% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $36 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RSPU or VYM?
Over the past year RSPU returned +5.76% vs +22.16% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), RSPU annualized +6.16% vs +7.01% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RSPU or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 14.5% for RSPU. Worst drawdown: RSPU -51.3% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both RSPU and VYM?
RSPU and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.63, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between RSPU and VYM?
RSPU and VYM share 28 common holdings with a 5.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 606 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RSPU or VYM?
RSPU yields 2.55% while VYM yields 2.24%, so RSPU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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