RVT vs VYM
Royce Small-Cap Trust Inc vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. RVT delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | RVT | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.34% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $1.7B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.79% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 473 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +21.16% | +16.53% | |
| 1Y Return | +31.99% | +25.03% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.13% | +18.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.03% | +12.25% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.8% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -79.1% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 19, 1986 | Nov 10, 2006 |
RVT vs VYM Performance
Royce Small-Cap Trust Inc (RVT) is a ETF from Franklin Templeton Investments (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year RVT returned +31.99% while VYM returned +25.03%. Year to date, RVT is up 21.16% versus a gain of 16.53% for VYM.
Over three years, RVT compounded at +20.13% per year against +18.54% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +9.03% and +12.25% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.10% annualized vs +3.03%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
RVT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.8% 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 -79.1% for RVT 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 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RVT charges 1.34% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $134 vs $4 annually, a gap of $130 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RVT currently yields 6.79% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
RVT and VYM share 95 holdings out of 934 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, RVT or VYM?
RVT has an expense ratio of 1.34% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $130 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RVT or VYM?
Over the past year RVT returned +31.99% vs +25.03% for VYM, so RVT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), RVT annualized +3.03% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RVT or VYM?
RVT has been the more volatile fund at 22.8% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: RVT -79.1% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both RVT and VYM?
RVT and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between RVT and VYM?
RVT and VYM share 95 common holdings with a 1.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 934 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RVT or VYM?
RVT yields 6.79% while VYM yields 2.86%, so RVT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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