RFI vs VOO
Cohen & Steers Total Return Realty Fund Inc. vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | RFI | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.89% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1,524.6 | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.96% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 193 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +8.74% | +13.81% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.26% | +21.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +8.99% | +21.46% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.05% | +12.87% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.7% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -80.1% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Cohen & Steers Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 27, 1993 | Sep 7, 2010 |
RFI vs VOO Performance
Cohen & Steers Total Return Realty Fund Inc. (RFI) is a ETF from Cohen & Steers Funds and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year RFI returned +3.26% while VOO returned +21.53%. Year to date, RFI is up 8.74% versus a gain of 13.81% for VOO.
Over three years, RFI compounded at +8.99% per year against +21.46% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +0.05% and +12.87% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.51% annualized vs -0.01%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
RFI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.7% compared with 14.1% for VOO. 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 -80.1% for RFI and -34.3% for VOO. 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 0.69. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RFI charges 0.89% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $89 vs $3 annually, a gap of $86 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RFI currently yields 7.96% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
RFI and VOO share 22 holdings out of 640 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, RFI or VOO?
RFI has an expense ratio of 0.89% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $86 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RFI or VOO?
Over the past year RFI returned +3.26% vs +21.53% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), RFI annualized -0.01% vs +13.51% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RFI or VOO?
RFI has been the more volatile fund at 22.7% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: RFI -80.1% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both RFI and VOO?
RFI and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.69, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between RFI and VOO?
RFI and VOO share 22 common holdings with a 1.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 640 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RFI or VOO?
RFI yields 7.96% while VOO yields 1.08%, so RFI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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