RFI vs VTI
Cohen & Steers Total Return Realty Fund Inc. 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 | RFI | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.89% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1,524.6 | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.96% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 193 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +9.50% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.07% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +9.53% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.53% | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -80.1% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Cohen & Steers Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 27, 1993 | May 24, 2001 |
RFI vs VTI Performance
Cohen & Steers Total Return Realty Fund Inc. (RFI) is a ETF from Cohen & Steers Funds and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year RFI returned +4.07% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, RFI is up 9.50% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, RFI compounded at +9.53% per year against +21.83% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +1.53% and +12.01% respectively. Across the full 21-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.09% annualized vs +0.02%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
RFI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.8% 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 -80.1% for RFI 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
RFI charges 0.89% per year while VTI 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 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
RFI and VTI share 30 holdings out of 2914 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, RFI or VTI?
RFI has an expense ratio of 0.89% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $86 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RFI or VTI?
Over the past year RFI returned +4.07% vs +22.35% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (21 years), RFI annualized +0.02% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RFI or VTI?
RFI has been the more volatile fund at 22.8% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: RFI -80.1% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both RFI and VTI?
RFI 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 RFI and VTI?
RFI and VTI share 30 common holdings with a 1.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2914 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RFI or VTI?
RFI yields 7.96% while VTI yields 1.07%, so RFI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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