RFMZ vs VXUS
RiverNorth Flexible Municipal Income Fund II 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 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | RFMZ | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 4.27% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $351M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.94% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 126 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +7.87% | +14.33% | |
| 1Y Return | +13.03% | +25.32% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +6.33% | +20.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -2.22% | +9.72% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.5% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | RiverNorth | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 24, 2021 | Jan 26, 2011 |
RFMZ vs VXUS Performance
RiverNorth Flexible Municipal Income Fund II Inc (RFMZ) is a ETF from RiverNorth and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year RFMZ returned +13.03% while VXUS returned +25.32%. Year to date, RFMZ is up 7.87% versus a gain of 14.33% for VXUS.
Over three years, RFMZ compounded at +6.33% per year against +20.47% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -2.22% and +9.72% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.84% annualized vs -0.54%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
RFMZ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% 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 -39.5% for RFMZ 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 0.72. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RFMZ charges 4.27% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $427 vs $5 annually, a gap of $422 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RFMZ currently yields 6.94% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
RFMZ and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7928 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, RFMZ or VXUS?
RFMZ has an expense ratio of 4.27% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $422 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RFMZ or VXUS?
Over the past year RFMZ returned +13.03% vs +25.32% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), RFMZ annualized -0.54% vs +4.84% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RFMZ or VXUS?
RFMZ has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: RFMZ -39.5% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both RFMZ and VXUS?
RFMZ and VXUS 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 VXUS?
RFMZ and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7928 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RFMZ or VXUS?
RFMZ yields 6.94% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so RFMZ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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