RWJ vs VYM
Invesco S&P SmallCap 600 Revenue ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. RWJ delivered stronger 1-year returns. RWJ offers more diversification with 586 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | RWJ | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.39% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $2.1B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.02% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 597 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +26.42% | +16.53% | |
| 1Y Return | +37.10% | +25.03% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.40% | +18.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.66% | +12.25% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 24.9% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.3% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 19, 2008 | Nov 10, 2006 |
RWJ vs VYM Performance
Invesco S&P SmallCap 600 Revenue ETF (RWJ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year RWJ returned +37.10% while VYM returned +25.03%. Year to date, RWJ is up 26.42% versus a gain of 16.53% for VYM.
Over three years, RWJ compounded at +17.40% per year against +18.54% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +10.66% and +12.25% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, RWJ has the edge at +11.91% annualized vs +7.10%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
RWJ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 24.9% 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 -56.3% for RWJ 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
RWJ charges 0.39% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $39 vs $4 annually, a gap of $35 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RWJ currently yields 1.02% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
RWJ and VYM share 154 holdings out of 990 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, RWJ or VYM?
RWJ has an expense ratio of 0.39% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $35 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RWJ or VYM?
Over the past year RWJ returned +37.10% vs +25.03% for VYM, so RWJ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), RWJ annualized +11.91% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RWJ or VYM?
RWJ has been the more volatile fund at 24.9% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: RWJ -56.3% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both RWJ and VYM?
RWJ 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 RWJ and VYM?
RWJ and VYM share 154 common holdings with a 1.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 990 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RWJ or VYM?
RWJ yields 1.02% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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