RSBA vs VTI
Return Stacked Bonds & Merger Arbitrage ETF 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 | RSBA | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.01% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $53M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.88% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 16 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -0.95% | +14.82% | |
| 1Y Return | -2.41% | +22.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.93% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.34% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.9% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -5.5% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Return Stacked ETF | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 17, 2024 | May 24, 2001 |
RSBA vs VTI Performance
Return Stacked Bonds & Merger Arbitrage ETF (RSBA) is a ETF from Return Stacked ETF and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year RSBA returned -2.41% while VTI returned +22.43%. Year to date, RSBA is down 0.95% versus a gain of 14.82% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.4% compared with 4.9% for RSBA. 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 -5.5% for RSBA 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 0.12. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RSBA charges 1.01% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $101 vs $3 annually, a gap of $98 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RSBA currently yields 2.88% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
RSBA and VTI share 7 holdings out of 2791 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, RSBA or VTI?
RSBA has an expense ratio of 1.01% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $98 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RSBA or VTI?
Over the past year RSBA returned -2.41% vs +22.43% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), RSBA annualized +1.86% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RSBA or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.4% annualized versus 4.9% for RSBA. Worst drawdown: RSBA -5.5% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both RSBA and VTI?
RSBA and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.12, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between RSBA and VTI?
RSBA and VTI share 7 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2791 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RSBA or VTI?
RSBA yields 2.88% while VTI yields 1.07%, so RSBA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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