CEFZ vs VTI
RiverNorth Active Income ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CEFZ | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 2.82% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $42M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 11.00% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 51 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +1.26% | +12.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +7.53% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.11% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 9.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -8.3% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | RiverNorth | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 27, 2006 | May 24, 2001 |
CEFZ vs VTI Performance
RiverNorth Active Income ETF (CEFZ) is a ETF from RiverNorth and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year CEFZ returned +7.53% while VTI returned +21.39%. Year to date, CEFZ is up 1.26% versus a gain of 12.65% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 9.3% for CEFZ. 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 -8.3% for CEFZ and -56.6% for VTI. 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 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CEFZ charges 2.82% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $282 vs $3 annually, a gap of $279 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CEFZ currently yields 11.00% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
CEFZ and VTI share 1 holdings out of 2833 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in CEFZ | Weight in VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| HHH | 1.03% | 0.00% | 1.03% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CEFZ or VTI?
CEFZ has an expense ratio of 2.82% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $279 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CEFZ or VTI?
Over the past year CEFZ returned +7.53% vs +21.39% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), CEFZ annualized +7.98% vs +8.07% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CEFZ or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 9.3% for CEFZ. Worst drawdown: CEFZ -8.3% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both CEFZ and VTI?
CEFZ and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CEFZ and VTI?
CEFZ and VTI share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2833 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CEFZ or VTI?
CEFZ yields 11.00% while VTI yields 1.07%, so CEFZ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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