RVER vs VYM
Trenchless Fund 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 | RVER | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.66% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $150M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.57% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 17 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +14.86% | +14.66% | |
| 1Y Return | +16.04% | +22.16% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.72% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.4% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -26.2% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | River1 Asset Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 3, 2024 | Nov 10, 2006 |
RVER vs VYM Performance
Trenchless Fund ETF (RVER) is a ETF from River1 Asset Management and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year RVER returned +16.04% while VYM returned +22.16%. Year to date, RVER is up 14.86% versus a gain of 14.66% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
RVER has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.4% 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 -26.2% for RVER 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 0.50. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RVER charges 0.66% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $66 vs $4 annually, a gap of $62 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RVER currently yields 1.57% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
RVER and VYM share 4 holdings out of 615 unique holdings combined, representing a 7.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, RVER or VYM?
RVER has an expense ratio of 0.66% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $62 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RVER or VYM?
Over the past year RVER returned +16.04% vs +22.16% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), RVER annualized +16.93% vs +7.01% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RVER or VYM?
RVER has been the more volatile fund at 21.4% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: RVER -26.2% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both RVER and VYM?
RVER and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.50, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between RVER and VYM?
RVER and VYM share 4 common holdings with a 7.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 615 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RVER or VYM?
RVER yields 1.57% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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