RCS vs VTI
PIMCO Strategic Income Fund Inc. vs Vanguard 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 | RCS | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.98% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $217M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 10.43% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 503 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -4.98% | +14.96% | |
| 1Y Return | -21.22% | +22.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +7.74% | +21.51% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.11% | +12.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.5% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -60.9% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | PIMCO (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 24, 1994 | May 24, 2001 |
RCS vs VTI Performance
PIMCO Strategic Income Fund Inc. (RCS) is a ETF from PIMCO (US) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year RCS returned -21.22% while VTI returned +22.39%. Year to date, RCS is down 4.98% versus a gain of 14.96% for VTI.
Over three years, RCS compounded at +7.74% per year against +21.51% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +1.11% and +12.36% respectively. Across the full 25-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.16% annualized vs -0.46%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
RCS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.5% compared with 15.4% 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 -60.9% for RCS 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 0.41. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RCS charges 0.98% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $98 vs $3 annually, a gap of $95 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RCS currently yields 10.43% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
RCS and VTI share 5 holdings out of 2797 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, RCS or VTI?
RCS has an expense ratio of 0.98% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $95 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RCS or VTI?
Over the past year RCS returned -21.22% vs +22.39% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (25 years), RCS annualized -0.46% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RCS or VTI?
RCS has been the more volatile fund at 17.5% annualized versus 15.4% for VTI. Worst drawdown: RCS -60.9% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both RCS and VTI?
RCS and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.41, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between RCS and VTI?
RCS and VTI share 5 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2797 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RCS or VTI?
RCS yields 10.43% while VTI yields 1.07%, so RCS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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