RING vs VTI
iShares MSCI Global Gold Miners ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. RING delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | RING | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.39% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $2.2B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.40% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 54 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +4.98% | +14.96% | |
| 1Y Return | +57.39% | +22.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +52.92% | +21.51% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +25.47% | +12.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 37.9% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -80.2% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 31, 2012 | May 24, 2001 |
RING vs VTI Performance
iShares MSCI Global Gold Miners ETF (RING) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year RING returned +57.39% while VTI returned +22.39%. Year to date, RING is up 4.98% versus a gain of 14.96% for VTI.
Over three years, RING compounded at +52.92% per year against +21.51% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +25.47% and +12.36% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.16% annualized vs +3.53%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
RING has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 37.9% compared with 15.4% for VTI. 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 -80.2% for RING 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 0.21. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RING charges 0.39% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $39 vs $3 annually, a gap of $36 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RING currently yields 1.40% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, RING or VTI?
RING has an expense ratio of 0.39% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $36 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RING or VTI?
Over the past year RING returned +57.39% vs +22.39% for VTI, so RING leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), RING annualized +3.53% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RING or VTI?
RING has been the more volatile fund at 37.9% annualized versus 15.4% for VTI. Worst drawdown: RING -80.2% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both RING and VTI?
RING and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.21, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between RING and VTI?
RING and VTI share 2 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2824 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RING or VTI?
RING yields 1.40% while VTI yields 1.07%, so RING currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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