TIER vs VYM

Quick Verdict

VYM has a lower expense ratio. TIER delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.

Lower Fees: VYMHigher Returns: TIERMore Diversified: VYM

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricTIERVYMWinner
Expense Ratio0.38%0.04%
AUM-$79.0B
Dividend Yield-2.86%
Holdings347568
YTD Return+13.67%+15.20%
1Y Return+27.96%+25.56%
3Y Return (annualized)-+17.86%
5Y Return (annualized)-+12.35%
Volatility (annualized)14.1%14.6%
Max Drawdown-12.1%-58.8%
Fund FamilyT.Rowe PriceVanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionJun 25, 2025Nov 10, 2006

TIER vs VYM Performance

T. Rowe Price International Equity Research ETF (TIER) is a ETF from T.Rowe Price and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year TIER returned +27.96% while VYM returned +25.56%. Year to date, TIER is up 13.67% versus a gain of 15.20% for VYM.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 14.1% for TIER. 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 -12.1% for TIER 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 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

TIER 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.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

TIER and VYM share 0 holdings out of 720 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, TIER or VYM?

TIER 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, TIER or VYM?

Over the past year TIER returned +27.96% vs +25.56% for VYM, so TIER leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), TIER annualized +26.21% vs +7.05% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, TIER or VYM?

VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 14.1% for TIER. Worst drawdown: TIER -12.1% vs VYM -58.8%.

Should I hold both TIER and VYM?

TIER and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between TIER and VYM?

TIER and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 720 unique securities.

Get Full ETF Analytics

Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.

See inside every ETF you own
$29/moCancel anytime.
Try FundXLS →