VRAI vs VYM
Virtus Real Asset Income ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VRAI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VRAI | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.55% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $19M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.82% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 91 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +25.30% | +14.66% | |
| 1Y Return | +29.10% | +22.16% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.96% | +18.72% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.27% | +12.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.8% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -48.9% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Virtus Investment Partners | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 7, 2019 | Nov 10, 2006 |
VRAI vs VYM Performance
Virtus Real Asset Income ETF (VRAI) is a ETF from Virtus Investment Partners and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VRAI returned +29.10% while VYM returned +22.16%. Year to date, VRAI is up 25.30% versus a gain of 14.66% for VYM.
Over three years, VRAI compounded at +13.96% per year against +18.72% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +7.27% and +12.18% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.01% annualized vs +5.70%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VRAI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.8% 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 -48.9% for VRAI 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 0.90. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VRAI charges 0.55% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $55 vs $4 annually, a gap of $51 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VRAI currently yields 2.82% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
VRAI and VYM share 32 holdings out of 661 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VRAI or VYM?
VRAI has an expense ratio of 0.55% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $51 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VRAI or VYM?
Over the past year VRAI returned +29.10% vs +22.16% for VYM, so VRAI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), VRAI annualized +5.70% vs +7.01% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VRAI or VYM?
VRAI has been the more volatile fund at 19.8% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: VRAI -48.9% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both VRAI and VYM?
VRAI and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.90, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between VRAI and VYM?
VRAI and VYM share 32 common holdings with a 2.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 661 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VRAI or VYM?
VRAI yields 2.82% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VRAI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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