RIFR vs VOO
Russell Investments Global Infrastructure ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | RIFR | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.59% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $44M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.87% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 67 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +10.89% | +12.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +12.15% | +21.87% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +22.06% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.95% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.9% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -6.8% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Russell Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 13, 2025 | Sep 7, 2010 |
RIFR vs VOO Performance
Russell Investments Global Infrastructure ETF (RIFR) is a ETF from Russell Investments and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year RIFR returned +12.15% while VOO returned +21.87%. Year to date, RIFR is up 10.89% versus a gain of 12.68% for VOO.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.1% compared with 10.9% for RIFR. 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 -6.8% for RIFR and -34.3% for VOO. 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 0.13. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RIFR charges 0.59% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $59 vs $3 annually, a gap of $56 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RIFR currently yields 0.87% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
RIFR and VOO share 17 holdings out of 548 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, RIFR or VOO?
RIFR has an expense ratio of 0.59% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $56 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RIFR or VOO?
Over the past year RIFR returned +12.15% vs +21.87% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), RIFR annualized +15.04% vs +13.47% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RIFR or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 10.9% for RIFR. Worst drawdown: RIFR -6.8% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both RIFR and VOO?
RIFR and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.13, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between RIFR and VOO?
RIFR and VOO share 17 common holdings with a 1.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 548 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RIFR or VOO?
RIFR yields 0.87% while VOO yields 1.08%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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