RWM vs VYM
ProShares Short Russell2000 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 | RWM | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $108M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.74% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 10 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | -16.26% | +15.34% | |
| 1Y Return | -23.39% | +23.24% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -13.69% | +19.22% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -6.65% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.9% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -96.9% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 23, 2007 | Nov 10, 2006 |
RWM vs VYM Performance
ProShares Short Russell2000 (RWM) is a ETF from ProShares and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year RWM returned -23.39% while VYM returned +23.24%. Year to date, RWM is down 16.26% versus a gain of 15.34% for VYM.
Over three years, RWM compounded at -13.69% per year against +19.22% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are -6.65% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.04% annualized vs -13.80%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
RWM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.9% 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 -96.9% for RWM 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 -0.79. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RWM charges 0.95% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $95 vs $4 annually, a gap of $91 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RWM currently yields 3.74% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
RWM and VYM share 0 holdings out of 604 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, RWM or VYM?
RWM has an expense ratio of 0.95% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $91 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RWM or VYM?
Over the past year RWM returned -23.39% vs +23.24% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), RWM annualized -13.80% vs +7.04% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RWM or VYM?
RWM has been the more volatile fund at 20.9% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: RWM -96.9% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both RWM and VYM?
RWM and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of -0.79, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between RWM and VYM?
RWM and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 604 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RWM or VYM?
RWM yields 3.74% while VYM yields 2.24%, so RWM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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