RND vs VYM
RND vs VYM
First Trust Bloomberg R&D Leaders ETF 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 | RND | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $9M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 51 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +10.61% | +15.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.60% | +26.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.3% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -23.5% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 30, 2024 | Nov 10, 2006 |
RND vs VYM Performance
First Trust Bloomberg R&D Leaders ETF (RND) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year RND returned +21.60% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, RND is up 10.61% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
RND has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.3% 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 -23.5% for RND 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 0.41. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RND charges 0.60% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $4 annually, a gap of $56 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RND currently yields 0.00% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
RND and VYM share 11 holdings out of 597 unique holdings combined, representing a 10.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in RND | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| AVGO | 4.30% | 6.47% | 2.17% |
| AMGN | 3.25% | 0.84% | 2.41% |
| ETN | 2.54% | 0.65% | 1.89% |
| CSCO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| IBM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| TXN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ITW | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| QCOM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GLW | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings RND 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, RND or VYM?
RND has an expense ratio of 0.60% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $56 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RND or VYM?
Over the past year RND returned +21.60% vs +26.12% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), RND annualized +26.78% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RND or VYM?
RND has been the more volatile fund at 16.3% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: RND -23.5% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both RND and VYM?
RND and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.41, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between RND and VYM?
RND and VYM share 11 common holdings with a 10.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 597 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RND or VYM?
RND yields 0.00% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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