RSF vs VXUS

Quick Verdict

VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.

Lower Fees: VXUSHigher Returns: VXUSMore Diversified: VXUS

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricRSFVXUSWinner
Expense Ratio5.25%0.05%
AUM$52M$156.5B
Dividend Yield8.16%2.60%
Holdings9,7308,747
YTD Return+7.99%+14.57%
1Y Return+8.92%+27.82%
3Y Return (annualized)+7.76%+19.27%
5Y Return (annualized)+4.43%+9.28%
Volatility (annualized)8.6%15.1%
Max Drawdown-44.2%-39.9%
Fund FamilyRiverNorthVanguard (US)
CategoryFixed IncomeEquity
InceptionSep 22, 2016Jan 26, 2011

RSF vs VXUS Performance

RiverNorth Capital and Income Fund, Inc. (RSF) is a ETF from RiverNorth and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year RSF returned +8.92% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, RSF is up 7.99% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.

Over three years, RSF compounded at +7.76% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +4.43% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs +0.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 8.6% for RSF. 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 -44.2% for RSF 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 0.36. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

RSF charges 5.25% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $525 vs $5 annually, a gap of $520 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RSF currently yields 8.16% against 2.60% for VXUS.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

RSF and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7878 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, RSF or VXUS?

RSF has an expense ratio of 5.25% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $520 per year of difference.

Which performed better, RSF or VXUS?

Over the past year RSF returned +8.92% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), RSF annualized +0.09% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, RSF or VXUS?

VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 8.6% for RSF. Worst drawdown: RSF -44.2% vs VXUS -39.9%.

Should I hold both RSF and VXUS?

RSF and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.36, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between RSF and VXUS?

RSF and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7878 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, RSF or VXUS?

RSF yields 8.16% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so RSF currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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