RFEU vs VTI
First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Europe ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. RFEU delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | RFEU | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.83% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $8M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.64% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 91 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +1.15% | +12.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +28.40% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.10% | +21.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.58% | +12.11% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -42.9% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 14, 2016 | May 24, 2001 |
RFEU vs VTI Performance
First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Europe ETF (RFEU) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year RFEU returned +28.40% while VTI returned +21.39%. Year to date, RFEU is up 1.15% versus a gain of 12.65% for VTI.
Over three years, RFEU compounded at +13.10% per year against +21.54% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +6.58% and +12.11% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.07% annualized vs +7.60%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
RFEU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.1% 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 -42.9% for RFEU 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
RFEU charges 0.83% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $83 vs $3 annually, a gap of $80 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RFEU currently yields 4.64% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
RFEU and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2873 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, RFEU or VTI?
RFEU has an expense ratio of 0.83% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $80 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RFEU or VTI?
Over the past year RFEU returned +28.40% vs +21.39% for VTI, so RFEU leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), RFEU annualized +7.60% vs +8.07% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RFEU or VTI?
RFEU has been the more volatile fund at 16.1% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: RFEU -42.9% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both RFEU and VTI?
RFEU 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 RFEU and VTI?
RFEU and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2873 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RFEU or VTI?
RFEU yields 4.64% while VTI yields 1.07%, so RFEU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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