TOTR vs VYM
TOTR vs VYM
T. Rowe Price Total Return ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. TOTR offers more diversification with 579 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | TOTR | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.31% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $574M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.31% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 1,222 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | -0.65% | +13.24% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.61% | +23.76% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.24% | +16.97% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.26% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.6% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -19.6% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | T.Rowe Price | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 28, 2021 | Nov 10, 2006 |
TOTR vs VYM Performance
T. Rowe Price Total Return ETF (TOTR) is a ETF from T.Rowe Price and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year TOTR returned +2.61% while VYM returned +23.76%. Year to date, TOTR is down 0.65% versus a gain of 13.24% for VYM.
Over three years, TOTR compounded at +4.24% per year against +16.97% for VYM. Across the full 5-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +6.96% annualized vs -0.54%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 6.6% for TOTR. 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 -19.6% for TOTR 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 0.56. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
TOTR charges 0.31% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $31 vs $4 annually, a gap of $27 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, TOTR currently yields 5.31% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
TOTR and VYM share 0 holdings out of 1137 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, TOTR or VYM?
TOTR has an expense ratio of 0.31% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $27 per year of difference.
Which performed better, TOTR or VYM?
Over the past year TOTR returned +2.61% vs +23.76% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), TOTR annualized -0.54% vs +6.96% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, TOTR or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 6.6% for TOTR. Worst drawdown: TOTR -19.6% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both TOTR and VYM?
TOTR and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.56, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between TOTR and VYM?
TOTR and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1137 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, TOTR or VYM?
TOTR yields 5.31% while VYM yields 2.86%, so TOTR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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