RFMZ vs VTI
RiverNorth Flexible Municipal Income Fund II 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 | RFMZ | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 4.27% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $351M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.94% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 126 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +8.53% | +13.12% | |
| 1Y Return | +13.20% | +20.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +7.03% | +21.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -2.14% | +11.84% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.5% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | RiverNorth | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 24, 2021 | May 24, 2001 |
RFMZ vs VTI Performance
RiverNorth Flexible Municipal Income Fund II Inc (RFMZ) is a ETF from RiverNorth and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year RFMZ returned +13.20% while VTI returned +20.82%. Year to date, RFMZ is up 8.53% versus a gain of 13.12% for VTI.
Over three years, RFMZ compounded at +7.03% per year against +21.43% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are -2.14% and +11.84% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.08% annualized vs -0.42%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 15.1% for RFMZ. 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 -39.5% for RFMZ 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 0.72. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RFMZ charges 4.27% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $427 vs $3 annually, a gap of $424 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RFMZ currently yields 6.94% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
RFMZ and VTI share 1 holdings out of 2845 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in RFMZ | Weight in VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| MHD | 8.95% | 0.00% | 8.95% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, RFMZ or VTI?
RFMZ has an expense ratio of 4.27% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $424 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RFMZ or VTI?
Over the past year RFMZ returned +13.20% vs +20.82% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), RFMZ annualized -0.42% vs +8.08% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RFMZ or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 15.1% for RFMZ. Worst drawdown: RFMZ -39.5% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both RFMZ and VTI?
RFMZ and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.72, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between RFMZ and VTI?
RFMZ and VTI share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2845 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RFMZ or VTI?
RFMZ yields 6.94% while VTI yields 1.07%, so RFMZ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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