RAYJ vs VTI
Rayliant SMDAM Japan Equity ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. RAYJ delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | RAYJ | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.72% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $24M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.76% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 34 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +15.34% | +12.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.69% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.11% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -16.6% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Rayliant Asset Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 4, 2024 | May 24, 2001 |
RAYJ vs VTI Performance
Rayliant SMDAM Japan Equity ETF (RAYJ) is a ETF from Rayliant Asset Management and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year RAYJ returned +23.69% while VTI returned +21.39%. Year to date, RAYJ is up 15.34% versus a gain of 12.65% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
RAYJ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.6% 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 -16.6% for RAYJ 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 0.66. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RAYJ charges 0.72% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $72 vs $3 annually, a gap of $69 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RAYJ currently yields 4.76% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
RAYJ and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2819 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, RAYJ or VTI?
RAYJ has an expense ratio of 0.72% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $69 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RAYJ or VTI?
Over the past year RAYJ returned +23.69% vs +21.39% for VTI, so RAYJ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), RAYJ annualized +20.92% vs +8.07% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RAYJ or VTI?
RAYJ has been the more volatile fund at 20.6% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: RAYJ -16.6% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both RAYJ and VTI?
RAYJ and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.66, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between RAYJ and VTI?
RAYJ and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2819 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RAYJ or VTI?
RAYJ yields 4.76% while VTI yields 1.07%, so RAYJ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.