RTH vs VYM
VanEck Retail 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 613 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | RTH | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.35% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $253M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.92% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 26 | 613 | |
| YTD Return | +5.68% | +15.29% | |
| 1Y Return | +7.10% | +22.23% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.72% | +18.81% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.77% | +12.14% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.9% | 14.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -42.4% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 20, 2011 | Nov 10, 2006 |
RTH vs VYM Performance
VanEck Retail ETF (RTH) is a ETF from VanEck and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year RTH returned +7.10% while VYM returned +22.23%. Year to date, RTH is up 5.68% versus a gain of 15.29% for VYM.
Over three years, RTH compounded at +15.72% per year against +18.81% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +8.77% and +12.14% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, RTH has the edge at +9.72% annualized vs +7.02%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
RTH has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.9% compared with 14.5% 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 worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
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 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
RTH and VYM share 11 holdings out of 617 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
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. On a $10,000 investment, that is $31 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RTH or VYM?
Over the past year RTH returned +7.10% vs +22.23% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), RTH annualized +9.72% vs +7.02% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RTH or VYM?
RTH has been the more volatile fund at 15.9% annualized versus 14.5% 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 combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between RTH and VYM?
RTH and VYM share 11 common holdings with a 3.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 617 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RTH or VYM?
RTH yields 0.92% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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