RCTR vs VTI
RCTR vs VTI
First Trust Bloomberg Nuclear Power ETF 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 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | RCTR | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.70% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $26M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.40% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 52 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +2.47% | +14.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +11.17% | +24.16% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.12% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 25.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -19.0% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 30, 2025 | May 24, 2001 |
RCTR vs VTI Performance
First Trust Bloomberg Nuclear Power ETF (RCTR) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year RCTR returned +11.17% while VTI returned +24.16%. Year to date, RCTR is up 2.47% versus a gain of 14.20% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
RCTR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 25.9% 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 -19.0% for RCTR 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 0.53. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RCTR charges 0.70% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $70 vs $3 annually, a gap of $67 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RCTR currently yields 0.40% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
RCTR and VTI share 15 holdings out of 2813 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in RCTR | Weight in VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| CEG | 5.25% | 0.11% | 5.14% |
| VST | 5.04% | 0.07% | 4.97% |
| TLN | 4.73% | 0.02% | 4.71% |
| DUK | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ETR | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| SO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GEV | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BWXT | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| OKLO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| HII | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings RCTR shares with VTI Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. X-ray my whole portfolio$99/yr Pro · 7-day refund | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, RCTR or VTI?
RCTR has an expense ratio of 0.70% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $67 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RCTR or VTI?
Over the past year RCTR returned +11.17% vs +24.16% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), RCTR annualized +13.52% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RCTR or VTI?
RCTR has been the more volatile fund at 25.9% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: RCTR -19.0% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both RCTR and VTI?
RCTR and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.53, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between RCTR and VTI?
RCTR and VTI share 15 common holdings with a 1.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2813 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RCTR or VTI?
RCTR yields 0.40% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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