RQI vs VYM
RQI vs VYM
Cohen & Steers Quality Income Realty Fund Inc 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 | RQI | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.91% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $1,620.47 | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 8.59% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 200 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +14.80% | +15.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +11.71% | +26.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.30% | +18.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.16% | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 33.2% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -94.1% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Cohen & Steers Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 28, 2002 | Nov 10, 2006 |
RQI vs VYM Performance
Cohen & Steers Quality Income Realty Fund Inc (RQI) is a ETF from Cohen & Steers Funds and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year RQI returned +11.71% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, RQI is up 14.80% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.
Over three years, RQI compounded at +11.30% per year against +18.25% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +3.16% and +12.51% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.07% annualized vs +1.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
RQI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 33.2% 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 -94.1% for RQI 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 0.67. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RQI charges 1.91% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $191 vs $4 annually, a gap of $187 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RQI currently yields 8.59% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
RQI and VYM share 3 holdings out of 726 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, RQI or VYM?
RQI has an expense ratio of 1.91% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $187 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RQI or VYM?
Over the past year RQI returned +11.71% vs +26.12% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), RQI annualized +1.09% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RQI or VYM?
RQI has been the more volatile fund at 33.2% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: RQI -94.1% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both RQI and VYM?
RQI and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.67, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between RQI and VYM?
RQI and VYM share 3 common holdings with a 0.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 726 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RQI or VYM?
RQI yields 8.59% while VYM yields 2.86%, so RQI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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