RMI vs VTI
RiverNorth Opportunistic Municipal Income 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 | RMI | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 3.34% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $102M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.91% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 100 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +10.92% | +12.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +18.18% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +6.87% | +21.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.58% | +12.11% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.7% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -32.7% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | RiverNorth | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 25, 2018 | May 24, 2001 |
RMI vs VTI Performance
RiverNorth Opportunistic Municipal Income Fund, Inc. (RMI) is a ETF from RiverNorth and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year RMI returned +18.18% while VTI returned +21.39%. Year to date, RMI is up 10.92% versus a gain of 12.65% for VTI.
Over three years, RMI compounded at +6.87% per year against +21.54% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are -0.58% and +12.11% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.07% annualized vs +2.10%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
RMI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.7% compared with 15.3% 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 -32.7% for RMI 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 0.51. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RMI charges 3.34% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $334 vs $3 annually, a gap of $331 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RMI currently yields 6.91% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
RMI and VTI share 1 holdings out of 2836 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 RMI | Weight in VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| MHD | 6.26% | 0.00% | 6.26% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, RMI or VTI?
RMI has an expense ratio of 3.34% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $331 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RMI or VTI?
Over the past year RMI returned +18.18% vs +21.39% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), RMI annualized +2.10% vs +8.07% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RMI or VTI?
RMI has been the more volatile fund at 15.7% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: RMI -32.7% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both RMI and VTI?
RMI and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.51, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between RMI and VTI?
RMI and VTI share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2836 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RMI or VTI?
RMI yields 6.91% while VTI yields 1.07%, so RMI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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