RWX vs VYM
State Street SPDR Dow Jones International 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 | RWX | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.59% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $266M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.83% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 144 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +0.43% | +16.42% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.39% | +24.22% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +7.49% | +19.03% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -2.26% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.5% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -75.2% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 15, 2006 | Nov 10, 2006 |
RWX vs VYM Performance
State Street SPDR Dow Jones International Real Estate ETF (RWX) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year RWX returned +4.39% while VYM returned +24.22%. Year to date, RWX is up 0.43% versus a gain of 16.42% for VYM.
Over three years, RWX compounded at +7.49% per year against +19.03% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are -2.26% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.10% annualized vs -2.84%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
RWX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.5% 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 -75.2% for RWX 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 0.78. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RWX charges 0.59% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $59 vs $4 annually, a gap of $55 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RWX currently yields 3.83% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
RWX and VYM share 0 holdings out of 729 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, RWX or VYM?
RWX has an expense ratio of 0.59% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $55 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RWX or VYM?
Over the past year RWX returned +4.39% vs +24.22% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), RWX annualized -2.84% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RWX or VYM?
RWX has been the more volatile fund at 19.5% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: RWX -75.2% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both RWX and VYM?
RWX and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.78, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between RWX and VYM?
RWX and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 729 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RWX or VYM?
RWX yields 3.83% while VYM yields 2.24%, so RWX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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