RLY vs VTI
State Street Multi-Asset Real Return ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. RLY delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | RLY | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.3B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.06% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 13 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +20.23% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +30.82% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.70% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.09% | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -46.2% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 25, 2012 | May 24, 2001 |
RLY vs VTI Performance
State Street Multi-Asset Real Return ETF (RLY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year RLY returned +30.82% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, RLY is up 20.23% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, RLY compounded at +15.70% per year against +21.83% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +12.09% and +12.01% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.09% annualized vs +3.62%. 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 12.6% for RLY. 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 -46.2% for RLY 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 0.71. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RLY charges 0.50% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $3 annually, a gap of $47 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RLY currently yields 3.06% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
RLY and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2799 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, RLY or VTI?
RLY has an expense ratio of 0.50% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $47 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RLY or VTI?
Over the past year RLY returned +30.82% vs +22.35% for VTI, so RLY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), RLY annualized +3.62% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RLY or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 12.6% for RLY. Worst drawdown: RLY -46.2% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both RLY and VTI?
RLY and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.71, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between RLY and VTI?
RLY and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2799 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RLY or VTI?
RLY yields 3.06% while VTI yields 1.07%, so RLY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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