RSDE vs VTI
FT Vest US Equity Equal Weight Buffer ETF - December vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Which is better, RSDE or VTI?
Multi Alternative against Large Cap Blend.
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI led over 1Y and the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | RSDE | VTI |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.03%Best |
| AUM | $31M | $666.9B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.03% |
| Holdings | 10 | 3,543 |
| YTD Return | +8.30% | +12.30%Best |
| 1Y Return | +10.65% | +16.08%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.01% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.36% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.2%Best | 12.8% |
| Max Drawdown | -10.8%Best | -19.3% |
| $10,000 over 1.7 years | $11,779 | $12,932Best |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Equity |
| Style | Multi Alternative | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Dec 20, 2024 | May 24, 2001 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 1.7 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Dec 23, 2024 to Sep 18, 2026 (1.7 years).
RSDE vs VTI growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 1.7 years both funds cover.
RSDE vs VTI Performance
FT Vest US Equity Equal Weight Buffer ETF - December (RSDE) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year RSDE returned +10.65% while VTI returned +16.08%. Year to date, RSDE is up 8.30% versus a gain of 12.30% for VTI.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 12.8% compared with 6.2% for RSDE. 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 -10.8% for RSDE and -19.3% for VTI. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.78. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RSDE charges 0.85% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $3 annually, a gap of $82 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RSDE currently yields 0.00% against 1.03% for VTI.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of RSDE and VTI you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, RSDE or VTI?
RSDE has an expense ratio of 0.85% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option, by $82 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, RSDE or VTI?
Over the past year RSDE returned +10.65% vs +16.08% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), RSDE annualized +10.11% vs +16.33% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, RSDE or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 12.8% annualized versus 6.2% for RSDE. Worst drawdown: RSDE -10.8% vs VTI -19.3%.
Should I hold both RSDE and VTI?
RSDE and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.78, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, RSDE or VTI?
RSDE yields 0.00% while VTI yields 1.03%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VTI better than RSDE?
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI led over 1Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.