RXL vs VYM
ProShares Ultra Health Care vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. RXL delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | RXL | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $85M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.34% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 67 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +13.35% | +16.10% | |
| 1Y Return | +59.24% | +25.99% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +9.78% | +18.29% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.43% | +12.35% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 29.4% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -69.0% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 30, 2007 | Nov 10, 2006 |
RXL vs VYM Performance
ProShares Ultra Health Care (RXL) is a ETF from ProShares and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year RXL returned +59.24% while VYM returned +25.99%. Year to date, RXL is up 13.35% versus a gain of 16.10% for VYM.
Over three years, RXL compounded at +9.78% per year against +18.29% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +3.43% and +12.35% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, RXL has the edge at +14.36% annualized vs +7.08%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
RXL 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 -69.0% for RXL 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 0.76. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RXL 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, RXL currently yields 1.34% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
RXL and VYM share 18 holdings out of 600 unique holdings combined, representing a 13.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, RXL or VYM?
RXL 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, RXL or VYM?
Over the past year RXL returned +59.24% vs +25.99% for VYM, so RXL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), RXL annualized +14.36% vs +7.08% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RXL or VYM?
RXL has been the more volatile fund at 29.4% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: RXL -69.0% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both RXL and VYM?
RXL and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.76, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between RXL and VYM?
RXL and VYM share 18 common holdings with a 13.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 600 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RXL or VYM?
RXL yields 1.34% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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