JRI vs VTI
Nuveen Real Asset Income and Growth Fund 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 | JRI | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 3.97% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | - | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 11.87% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 413 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -0.55% | +14.31% | |
| 1Y Return | +5.76% | +22.11% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.97% | +22.37% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.67% | +12.40% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -64.3% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 25, 2012 | May 24, 2001 |
JRI vs VTI Performance
Nuveen Real Asset Income and Growth Fund (JRI) is a ETF from Nuveen and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year JRI returned +5.76% while VTI returned +22.11%. Year to date, JRI is down 0.55% versus a gain of 14.31% for VTI.
Over three years, JRI compounded at +16.97% per year against +22.37% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +5.67% and +12.40% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.14% annualized vs +1.01%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
JRI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.1% compared with 15.3% for VTI. 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 -64.3% for JRI 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 0.73. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
JRI charges 3.97% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $397 vs $3 annually, a gap of $394 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, JRI currently yields 11.87% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
JRI and VTI share 89 holdings out of 2945 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, JRI or VTI?
JRI has an expense ratio of 3.97% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $394 per year of difference.
Which performed better, JRI or VTI?
Over the past year JRI returned +5.76% vs +22.11% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), JRI annualized +1.01% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, JRI or VTI?
JRI has been the more volatile fund at 20.1% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: JRI -64.3% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both JRI and VTI?
JRI and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.73, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between JRI and VTI?
JRI and VTI share 89 common holdings with a 2.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2945 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, JRI or VTI?
JRI yields 11.87% while VTI yields 1.07%, so JRI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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