RIFR vs VXUS
Russell Investments Global Infrastructure ETF 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 | RIFR | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.59% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $44M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.88% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 67 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +10.78% | +15.00% | |
| 1Y Return | +13.05% | +26.87% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.79% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.26% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.9% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -6.8% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Russell Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 13, 2025 | Jan 26, 2011 |
RIFR vs VXUS Performance
Russell Investments Global Infrastructure ETF (RIFR) is a ETF from Russell Investments and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year RIFR returned +13.05% while VXUS returned +26.87%. Year to date, RIFR is up 10.78% versus a gain of 15.00% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% 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 -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 0.56. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RIFR charges 0.59% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $59 vs $5 annually, a gap of $54 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RIFR currently yields 0.88% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
RIFR and VXUS share 16 holdings out of 7904 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, RIFR or VXUS?
RIFR has an expense ratio of 0.59% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $54 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RIFR or VXUS?
Over the past year RIFR returned +13.05% vs +26.87% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), RIFR annualized +15.27% vs +4.88% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RIFR or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 10.9% for RIFR. Worst drawdown: RIFR -6.8% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both RIFR and VXUS?
RIFR and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.56, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between RIFR and VXUS?
RIFR and VXUS share 16 common holdings with a 0.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7904 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RIFR or VXUS?
RIFR yields 0.88% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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