RIV vs VTI
RiverNorth Opportunities Fund 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 | RIV | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 5.11% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $337M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 10.94% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 442 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +2.81% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.05% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.68% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.36% | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -55.6% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | RiverNorth | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 23, 2015 | May 24, 2001 |
RIV vs VTI Performance
RiverNorth Opportunities Fund Inc. (RIV) is a ETF from RiverNorth and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year RIV returned +1.05% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, RIV is up 2.81% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, RIV compounded at +11.68% per year against +21.83% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +3.36% and +12.01% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.09% annualized vs +1.16%. 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 15.3% for RIV. 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 -55.6% for RIV 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 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RIV charges 5.11% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $511 vs $3 annually, a gap of $508 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RIV currently yields 10.94% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
RIV and VTI share 7 holdings out of 3039 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, RIV or VTI?
RIV has an expense ratio of 5.11% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $508 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RIV or VTI?
Over the past year RIV returned +1.05% vs +22.35% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), RIV annualized +1.16% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RIV or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 15.3% for RIV. Worst drawdown: RIV -55.6% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both RIV and VTI?
RIV and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between RIV and VTI?
RIV and VTI share 7 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3039 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RIV or VTI?
RIV yields 10.94% while VTI yields 1.07%, so RIV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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