RFDA vs VTI
ALPS Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. RFDA delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | RFDA | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.52% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $89M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.79% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 79 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +16.39% | +13.87% | |
| 1Y Return | +25.14% | +23.31% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.55% | +21.17% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.06% | +12.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.8% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | ALPS Advisors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 6, 2016 | May 24, 2001 |
RFDA vs VTI Performance
ALPS Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF (RFDA) is a ETF from ALPS Advisors and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year RFDA returned +25.14% while VTI returned +23.31%. Year to date, RFDA is up 16.39% versus a gain of 13.87% for VTI.
Over three years, RFDA compounded at +19.55% per year against +21.17% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +13.06% and +12.23% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, RFDA has the edge at +12.49% annualized vs +8.13%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 15.2% for RFDA. 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 -34.8% for RFDA 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 0.96. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RFDA charges 0.52% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $52 vs $3 annually, a gap of $49 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RFDA currently yields 1.79% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
RFDA and VTI share 63 holdings out of 2798 unique holdings combined, representing a 20.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, RFDA or VTI?
RFDA has an expense ratio of 0.52% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $49 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RFDA or VTI?
Over the past year RFDA returned +25.14% vs +23.31% for VTI, so RFDA leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), RFDA annualized +12.49% vs +8.13% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RFDA or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 15.2% for RFDA. Worst drawdown: RFDA -34.8% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both RFDA and VTI?
RFDA and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.96, 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 RFDA and VTI?
RFDA and VTI share 63 common holdings with a 20.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2798 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RFDA or VTI?
RFDA yields 1.79% while VTI yields 1.07%, so RFDA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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