REAI vs VTI
Intelligent Real Estate ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar 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 | REAI | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.59% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.77% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 24 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +14.60% | +12.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +12.02% | +20.47% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +6.57% | +21.53% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +11.84% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -22.3% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Armada ETF | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 12, 2023 | May 24, 2001 |
REAI vs VTI Performance
Intelligent Real Estate ETF (REAI) is a ETF from Armada ETF and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year REAI returned +12.02% while VTI returned +20.47%. Year to date, REAI is up 14.60% versus a gain of 12.79% for VTI.
Over three years, REAI compounded at +6.57% per year against +21.53% for VTI. Across the full 3-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.07% annualized vs +5.50%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
REAI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.2% 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 -22.3% for REAI 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 0.74. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
REAI charges 0.59% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $59 vs $3 annually, a gap of $56 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, REAI currently yields 1.77% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
REAI and VTI share 14 holdings out of 2796 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, REAI or VTI?
REAI has an expense ratio of 0.59% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $56 per year of difference.
Which performed better, REAI or VTI?
Over the past year REAI returned +12.02% vs +20.47% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), REAI annualized +5.50% vs +8.07% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, REAI or VTI?
REAI has been the more volatile fund at 17.2% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: REAI -22.3% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both REAI and VTI?
REAI and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.74, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between REAI and VTI?
REAI and VTI share 14 common holdings with a 0.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2796 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, REAI or VTI?
REAI yields 1.77% while VTI yields 1.07%, so REAI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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