BRTR vs VYM
BRTR vs VYM
iShares Total Return Active ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. BRTR offers more diversification with 1114 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BRTR | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.38% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $735M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.72% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 2,915 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | -0.41% | +13.24% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.22% | +23.76% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +16.97% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.26% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.0% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -4.7% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | BlackRock, Inc. (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 12, 2023 | Nov 10, 2006 |
BRTR vs VYM Performance
iShares Total Return Active ETF (BRTR) is a ETF from BlackRock, Inc. (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BRTR returned +3.22% while VYM returned +23.76%. Year to date, BRTR is down 0.41% versus a gain of 13.24% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 5.0% for BRTR. 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 -4.7% for BRTR 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 0.63. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BRTR charges 0.38% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $38 vs $4 annually, a gap of $34 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BRTR currently yields 4.72% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
BRTR and VYM share 11 holdings out of 1661 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in BRTR | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| JPM | 0.05% | 3.36% | 3.31% |
| ABBV | 0.03% | 1.80% | 1.77% |
| WFC | 0.04% | 1.12% | 1.08% |
| C | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MPC | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| VLO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| FITB | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| FHN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| SM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| PBF | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings BRTR shares with VYM Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BRTR or VYM?
BRTR has an expense ratio of 0.38% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $34 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BRTR or VYM?
Over the past year BRTR returned +3.22% vs +23.76% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), BRTR annualized +4.69% vs +6.96% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BRTR or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 5.0% for BRTR. Worst drawdown: BRTR -4.7% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both BRTR and VYM?
BRTR and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.63, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BRTR and VYM?
BRTR and VYM share 11 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1661 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BRTR or VYM?
BRTR yields 4.72% while VYM yields 2.86%, so BRTR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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