RDVY vs VTI
First Trust Rising Dividend Achievers ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. RDVY delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | RDVY | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.47% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $24.6B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.93% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 74 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +19.65% | +14.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +30.05% | +22.19% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.61% | +21.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.02% | +12.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -40.6% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 6, 2014 | May 24, 2001 |
RDVY vs VTI Performance
First Trust Rising Dividend Achievers ETF (RDVY) 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 RDVY returned +30.05% while VTI returned +22.19%. Year to date, RDVY is up 19.65% versus a gain of 14.22% for VTI.
Over three years, RDVY compounded at +21.61% per year against +21.27% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +13.02% and +12.23% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, RDVY has the edge at +12.77% annualized vs +8.14%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
RDVY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.8% 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 -40.6% for RDVY 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 0.91. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RDVY charges 0.47% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $47 vs $3 annually, a gap of $44 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RDVY currently yields 0.93% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
RDVY and VTI share 67 holdings out of 2787 unique holdings combined, representing a 22.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, RDVY or VTI?
RDVY has an expense ratio of 0.47% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $44 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RDVY or VTI?
Over the past year RDVY returned +30.05% vs +22.19% for VTI, so RDVY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), RDVY annualized +12.77% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RDVY or VTI?
RDVY has been the more volatile fund at 17.8% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: RDVY -40.6% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both RDVY and VTI?
RDVY and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.91, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between RDVY and VTI?
RDVY and VTI share 67 common holdings with a 22.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2787 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RDVY or VTI?
RDVY yields 0.93% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI 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.