RFI vs VXUS
Cohen & Steers Total Return Realty Fund Inc. vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | RFI | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.89% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $1,524.6 | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 8.12% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 193 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +10.56% | +14.07% | |
| 1Y Return | +5.52% | +27.24% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +8.78% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.92% | +9.14% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.8% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -80.1% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Cohen & Steers Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 27, 1993 | Jan 26, 2011 |
RFI vs VXUS Performance
Cohen & Steers Total Return Realty Fund Inc. (RFI) is a ETF from Cohen & Steers Funds and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year RFI returned +5.52% while VXUS returned +27.24%. Year to date, RFI is up 10.56% versus a gain of 14.07% for VXUS.
Over three years, RFI compounded at +8.78% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +1.92% and +9.14% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.83% annualized vs +0.07%. 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 15.1% for VXUS. 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 -39.9% for VXUS. 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
RFI charges 0.89% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $89 vs $5 annually, a gap of $84 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RFI currently yields 8.12% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, RFI or VXUS?
RFI has an expense ratio of 0.89% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $84 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RFI or VXUS?
Over the past year RFI returned +5.52% vs +27.24% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), RFI annualized +0.07% vs +4.83% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RFI or VXUS?
RFI has been the more volatile fund at 22.8% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: RFI -80.1% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both RFI and VXUS?
RFI and VXUS 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 RFI and VXUS?
RFI and VXUS share 2 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8017 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RFI or VXUS?
RFI yields 8.12% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so RFI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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