RIV vs VXUS
RiverNorth Opportunities Fund 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 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | RIV | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 6.43% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $323M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 9.67% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 442 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +6.97% | +14.07% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.38% | +27.24% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.36% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.38% | +9.14% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -55.6% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | RiverNorth | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 23, 2015 | Jan 26, 2011 |
RIV vs VXUS Performance
RiverNorth Opportunities Fund Inc. (RIV) is a ETF from RiverNorth and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year RIV returned +4.38% while VXUS returned +27.24%. Year to date, RIV is up 6.97% versus a gain of 14.07% for VXUS.
Over three years, RIV compounded at +13.36% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +3.38% and +9.14% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.83% annualized vs +1.54%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
RIV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% 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 -55.6% for RIV 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 0.74. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RIV charges 6.43% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $643 vs $5 annually, a gap of $638 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RIV currently yields 9.67% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
RIV and VXUS share 1 holdings out of 8119 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in RIV | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| BN:CA | -0.60% | 0.21% | 0.81% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, RIV or VXUS?
RIV has an expense ratio of 6.43% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $638 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RIV or VXUS?
Over the past year RIV returned +4.38% vs +27.24% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), RIV annualized +1.54% vs +4.83% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RIV or VXUS?
RIV has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: RIV -55.6% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both RIV and VXUS?
RIV and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.74, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between RIV and VXUS?
RIV and VXUS share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8119 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RIV or VXUS?
RIV yields 9.67% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so RIV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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