RTH vs VYM
VanEck Retail ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Which is better, RTH or VYM?
Large Cap Blend against Large Cap Value.
VYM has a lower expense ratio. RTH led over the full window, VYM over 1Y, 3Y and 5Y. VYM is less concentrated, with 26.1% of the fund in its ten largest positions against 70.0%.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | RTH | VYM |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.35% | 0.04%Best |
| AUM | $253M | $81.6B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.92% | 2.22% |
| Holdings | 26 | 613 |
| YTD Return | +1.84% | +10.23%Best |
| 1Y Return | +3.08% | +14.28%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.25% | +17.50%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.16% | +11.60%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.5% | 14.6%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -42.4%Best | -58.8% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $14,802 | $17,311Best |
| Top 10 Weight | 70.0% | 26.1%Best |
| Fund Family | VanEck | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Large Cap Value |
| Inception | Dec 20, 2011 | Nov 10, 2006 |
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Nov 16, 2006 to Sep 23, 2026 (19.9 years).
RTH vs VYM growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 19.9 years both funds cover.
RTH vs VYM Performance
VanEck Retail ETF (RTH) is an ETF from VanEck and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year RTH returned +3.08% while VYM returned +14.28%. Year to date, RTH is up 1.84% versus a gain of 10.23% for VYM.
Over three years, RTH compounded at +15.25% per year against +17.50% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +8.16% and +11.60% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, RTH has the edge at +12.09% annualized vs +6.76%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
RTH has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.5% compared with 14.6% for VYM. 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 -42.4% for RTH and -58.8% for VYM. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.78. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RTH charges 0.35% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $35 vs $4 annually, a gap of $31 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RTH currently yields 0.92% against 2.22% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
30.0% of RTH's money is in holdings VYM also owns. 3.6% of VYM's money is in holdings RTH also owns.
RTH and VYM share little of their money.
11 positions in common, counted across the 25 positions we hold weights for in RTH and 557 in VYM, against full books of 26 and 613.
What only one of them owns
Measured across the 25 and 557 positions we hold weights for.
VYM holds 517 positions RTH does not, 93.5% of the fund.
Largest: AVGO 7.35%, JPM 3.82%, XOM 2.63%, JNJ 2.51%, CSCO 1.86%
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in RTH | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| HDHome Depot Inc/The | 4.95% | 1.34% | 3.61% |
| CVSCvs Corp | 4.43% | 0.54% | 3.89% |
| LOWLowes Cos., Inc. | 4.11% | 0.47% | 3.64% |
| TGTTarget Corp Common Stock Usd.0833 | 3.66% | 0.27% | 3.39% |
| CAHCardinal Health Inc. | 3.14% | 0.22% | 2.92% |
| FASTFastenal Co. | 3.02% | 0.22% | 2.80% |
| SYYSysco Corp | 1.98% | 0.17% | 1.81% |
| KRKroger Co. | 1.60% | 0.13% | 1.47% |
| DGDollar General Corp. | 1.42% | 0.11% | 1.31% |
| TSCOTractor Supply Co. | 0.89% | 0.07% | 0.82% |
30.0% of RTH is already inside VYM.
You probably hold more than these two. Add the rest and see how much of the whole book is the same companies twice.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, RTH or VYM?
RTH has an expense ratio of 0.35% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option, by $31 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, RTH or VYM?
Over the past year RTH returned +3.08% vs +14.28% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), RTH annualized +12.09% vs +6.76% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, RTH or VYM?
RTH has been the more volatile fund at 15.5% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: RTH -42.4% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both RTH and VYM?
RTH and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.78, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
What is the holdings overlap between RTH and VYM?
30.0% of RTH's money is in holdings VYM also owns. 3.6% of VYM's is in holdings RTH also owns. They hold 11 positions in common, counted across the 25 positions we hold weights for in RTH and 557 in VYM.
Which pays a higher dividend, RTH or VYM?
RTH yields 0.92% while VYM yields 2.22%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VYM better than RTH?
VYM has a lower expense ratio. RTH led over the full window, VYM over 1Y, 3Y and 5Y. VYM is less concentrated, with 26.1% of the fund in its ten largest positions against 70.0%. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.