REZ vs VTI
iShares Residential and Multisector Real Estate 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 | REZ | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.48% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $909M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.99% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 42 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +15.63% | +14.16% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.48% | +23.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.47% | +21.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.20% | +12.33% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -70.3% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 1, 2007 | May 24, 2001 |
REZ vs VTI Performance
iShares Residential and Multisector Real Estate ETF (REZ) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year REZ returned +19.48% while VTI returned +23.62%. Year to date, REZ is up 15.63% versus a gain of 14.16% for VTI.
Over three years, REZ compounded at +12.47% per year against +21.43% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +4.20% and +12.33% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.14% annualized vs +4.25%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
REZ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.8% 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 -70.3% for REZ 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 0.67. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
REZ charges 0.48% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $48 vs $3 annually, a gap of $45 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, REZ currently yields 1.99% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
REZ and VTI share 25 holdings out of 2797 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, REZ or VTI?
REZ has an expense ratio of 0.48% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $45 per year of difference.
Which performed better, REZ or VTI?
Over the past year REZ returned +19.48% vs +23.62% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), REZ annualized +4.25% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, REZ or VTI?
REZ has been the more volatile fund at 20.8% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: REZ -70.3% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both REZ and VTI?
REZ and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.67, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between REZ and VTI?
REZ and VTI share 25 common holdings with a 0.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2797 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, REZ or VTI?
REZ yields 1.99% while VTI yields 1.07%, so REZ 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.