RDOG vs VTI
ALPS REIT Dividend Dogs 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 | RDOG | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.35% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $12M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.12% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 46 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +16.48% | +14.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.64% | +22.19% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.77% | +21.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.23% | +12.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -70.5% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | ALPS Advisors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 7, 2008 | May 24, 2001 |
RDOG vs VTI Performance
ALPS REIT Dividend Dogs ETF (RDOG) is a ETF from ALPS Advisors and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year RDOG returned +21.64% while VTI returned +22.19%. Year to date, RDOG is up 16.48% versus a gain of 14.22% for VTI.
Over three years, RDOG compounded at +10.77% per year against +21.27% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +2.23% and +12.23% respectively. Across the full 18-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.14% annualized vs +0.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
RDOG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.3% 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 -70.5% for RDOG 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
RDOG charges 0.35% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $35 vs $3 annually, a gap of $32 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RDOG currently yields 6.12% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
RDOG and VTI share 31 holdings out of 2795 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, RDOG or VTI?
RDOG has an expense ratio of 0.35% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $32 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RDOG or VTI?
Over the past year RDOG returned +21.64% vs +22.19% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (18 years), RDOG annualized +0.89% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RDOG or VTI?
RDOG has been the more volatile fund at 21.3% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: RDOG -70.5% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both RDOG and VTI?
RDOG 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 RDOG and VTI?
RDOG and VTI share 31 common holdings with a 0.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2795 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RDOG or VTI?
RDOG yields 6.12% while VTI yields 1.07%, so RDOG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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