RXD vs VYM
ProShares UltraShort Health Care 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 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | RXD | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $3M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.13% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 7 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | -15.22% | +16.78% | |
| 1Y Return | -37.56% | +24.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -11.42% | +18.60% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -8.58% | +12.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 29.4% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -99.8% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 30, 2007 | Nov 10, 2006 |
RXD vs VYM Performance
ProShares UltraShort Health Care (RXD) is a ETF from ProShares and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year RXD returned -37.56% while VYM returned +24.43%. Year to date, RXD is down 15.22% versus a gain of 16.78% for VYM.
Over three years, RXD compounded at -11.42% per year against +18.60% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are -8.58% and +12.30% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.11% annualized vs -24.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
RXD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 29.4% 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 -99.8% for RXD 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 -0.66. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RXD 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, RXD currently yields 3.13% against 2.86% for VYM.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, RXD or VYM?
RXD 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, RXD or VYM?
Over the past year RXD returned -37.56% vs +24.43% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), RXD annualized -24.79% vs +7.11% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RXD or VYM?
RXD has been the more volatile fund at 29.4% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: RXD -99.8% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both RXD and VYM?
RXD and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of -0.66, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, RXD or VYM?
RXD yields 3.13% while VYM yields 2.86%, so RXD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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