RMT vs VXUS
Royce Micro-Cap Trust Inc. vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. RMT delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | RMT | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.35% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $477M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.36% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 176 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +43.11% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +59.84% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +27.20% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.50% | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 23.5% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -80.4% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 14, 1993 | Jan 26, 2011 |
RMT vs VXUS Performance
Royce Micro-Cap Trust Inc. (RMT) is a ETF from Franklin Templeton Investments (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year RMT returned +59.84% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, RMT is up 43.11% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, RMT compounded at +27.20% per year against +20.34% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +13.50% and +9.38% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.89% annualized vs +2.43%. 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 15.1% 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 -80.4% for RMT 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 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RMT charges 1.35% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $135 vs $5 annually, a gap of $130 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RMT currently yields 5.36% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
RMT and VXUS share 7 holdings out of 8036 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 VXUS?
RMT has an expense ratio of 1.35% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $130 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RMT or VXUS?
Over the past year RMT returned +59.84% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so RMT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), RMT annualized +2.43% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RMT or VXUS?
RMT has been the more volatile fund at 23.5% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: RMT -80.4% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both RMT and VXUS?
RMT and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between RMT and VXUS?
RMT and VXUS share 7 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8036 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RMT or VXUS?
RMT yields 5.36% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so RMT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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