RMI vs VXUS
RiverNorth Opportunistic Municipal Income 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 | RMI | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 3.34% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $101M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.81% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 100 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +14.24% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.46% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.97% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.02% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.7% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -32.7% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | RiverNorth | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 25, 2018 | Jan 26, 2011 |
RMI vs VXUS Performance
RiverNorth Opportunistic Municipal Income Fund, Inc. (RMI) is a ETF from RiverNorth and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year RMI returned +20.46% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, RMI is up 14.24% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, RMI compounded at +5.97% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +0.02% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs +2.50%. 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 15.1% 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 -32.7% for RMI 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 0.64. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RMI charges 3.34% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $334 vs $5 annually, a gap of $329 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RMI currently yields 6.81% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
RMI and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7911 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, RMI or VXUS?
RMI has an expense ratio of 3.34% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $329 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RMI or VXUS?
Over the past year RMI returned +20.46% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), RMI annualized +2.50% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RMI or VXUS?
RMI has been the more volatile fund at 15.7% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: RMI -32.7% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both RMI and VXUS?
RMI and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.64, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between RMI and VXUS?
RMI and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7911 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RMI or VXUS?
RMI yields 6.81% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so RMI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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