RMT vs VTI
Royce Micro-Cap Trust Inc. vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. RMT delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | RMT | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.35% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $477M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.36% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 176 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +37.62% | +12.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +56.58% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +26.30% | +21.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.40% | +12.11% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 23.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -80.4% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 14, 1993 | May 24, 2001 |
RMT vs VTI Performance
Royce Micro-Cap Trust Inc. (RMT) is a ETF from Franklin Templeton Investments (US) and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year RMT returned +56.58% while VTI returned +21.39%. Year to date, RMT is up 37.62% versus a gain of 12.65% for VTI.
Over three years, RMT compounded at +26.30% per year against +21.54% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +13.40% and +12.11% respectively. Across the full 23-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.07% annualized vs +2.25%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
RMT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 23.5% 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 -80.4% for RMT 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 0.86. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RMT charges 1.35% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $135 vs $3 annually, a gap of $132 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RMT currently yields 5.36% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
RMT and VTI share 107 holdings out of 2854 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, RMT or VTI?
RMT has an expense ratio of 1.35% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $132 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RMT or VTI?
Over the past year RMT returned +56.58% vs +21.39% for VTI, so RMT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (23 years), RMT annualized +2.25% vs +8.07% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RMT or VTI?
RMT has been the more volatile fund at 23.5% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: RMT -80.4% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both RMT and VTI?
RMT and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.86, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between RMT and VTI?
RMT and VTI share 107 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2854 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RMT or VTI?
RMT yields 5.36% while VTI yields 1.07%, so RMT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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