PRF vs VYM
PRF vs VYM
Invesco RAFI US 1000 ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. PRF delivered stronger 1-year returns. PRF offers more diversification with 893 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PRF | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.34% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $9.8B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.37% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 1,004 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +18.75% | +15.45% | |
| 1Y Return | +33.36% | +26.05% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.24% | +17.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.53% | +12.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.6% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -61.6% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 19, 2005 | Nov 10, 2006 |
PRF vs VYM Performance
Invesco RAFI US 1000 ETF (PRF) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PRF returned +33.36% while VYM returned +26.05%. Year to date, PRF is up 18.75% versus a gain of 15.45% for VYM.
Over three years, PRF compounded at +20.24% per year against +17.96% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +13.53% and +12.54% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, PRF has the edge at +9.25% annualized vs +7.06%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PRF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.6% 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 -61.6% for PRF 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 0.96. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PRF charges 0.34% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $34 vs $4 annually, a gap of $30 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PRF currently yields 1.37% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
PRF and VYM share 377 holdings out of 1074 unique holdings combined, representing a 46.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in PRF | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| AVGO | 0.54% | 6.47% | 5.93% |
| JPM | 1.62% | 3.36% | 1.74% |
| XOM | 1.65% | 2.83% | 1.18% |
| JNJ | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| WMT | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CVX | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| UNH | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| PG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ABBV | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CSCO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings PRF 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, PRF or VYM?
PRF has an expense ratio of 0.34% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $30 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PRF or VYM?
Over the past year PRF returned +33.36% vs +26.05% for VYM, so PRF leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), PRF annualized +9.25% vs +7.06% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PRF or VYM?
PRF has been the more volatile fund at 16.6% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: PRF -61.6% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both PRF and VYM?
PRF and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.96, 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 PRF and VYM?
PRF and VYM share 377 common holdings with a 46.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1074 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PRF or VYM?
PRF yields 1.37% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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