RWO vs VYM
State Street SPDR Dow Jones Global Real Estate 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 | RWO | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $1.3B | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.14% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 244 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +13.27% | +15.34% | |
| 1Y Return | +16.70% | +23.24% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.78% | +19.22% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.27% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.1% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -69.6% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 7, 2008 | Nov 10, 2006 |
RWO vs VYM Performance
State Street SPDR Dow Jones Global Real Estate ETF (RWO) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year RWO returned +16.70% while VYM returned +23.24%. Year to date, RWO is up 13.27% versus a gain of 15.34% for VYM.
Over three years, RWO compounded at +11.78% per year against +19.22% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +2.27% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 18-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.04% annualized vs +1.00%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
RWO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.1% 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 -69.6% for RWO 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 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RWO charges 0.50% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $4 annually, a gap of $46 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RWO currently yields 3.14% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
RWO and VYM share 0 holdings out of 826 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, RWO or VYM?
RWO has an expense ratio of 0.50% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $46 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RWO or VYM?
Over the past year RWO returned +16.70% vs +23.24% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (18 years), RWO annualized +1.00% vs +7.04% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RWO or VYM?
RWO has been the more volatile fund at 20.1% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: RWO -69.6% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both RWO and VYM?
RWO and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between RWO and VYM?
RWO and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 826 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RWO or VYM?
RWO yields 3.14% while VYM yields 2.24%, so RWO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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