RFM vs VXUS
RiverNorth Flexible Municipal Income 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 | RFM | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 3.68% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $96M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.81% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 93 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +10.72% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +15.16% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.08% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -1.13% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.0% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.8% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | RiverNorth | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 26, 2020 | Jan 26, 2011 |
RFM vs VXUS Performance
RiverNorth Flexible Municipal Income Fund, Inc. (RFM) is a ETF from RiverNorth and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year RFM returned +15.16% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, RFM is up 10.72% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, RFM compounded at +5.08% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -1.13% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs +2.72%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 15.0% for RFM. 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 -33.8% for RFM 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 0.71. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RFM charges 3.68% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $368 vs $5 annually, a gap of $363 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RFM currently yields 6.81% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
RFM and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7908 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, RFM or VXUS?
RFM has an expense ratio of 3.68% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $363 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RFM or VXUS?
Over the past year RFM returned +15.16% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), RFM annualized +2.72% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RFM or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 15.0% for RFM. Worst drawdown: RFM -33.8% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both RFM and VXUS?
RFM and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.71, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between RFM and VXUS?
RFM and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7908 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RFM or VXUS?
RFM yields 6.81% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so RFM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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