RSP vs VTI
Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight 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 | RSP | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.20% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $100.1B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.49% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 511 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +15.88% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.24% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.53% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.22% | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -60.9% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 24, 2003 | May 24, 2001 |
RSP vs VTI Performance
Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF (RSP) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year RSP returned +21.24% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, RSP is up 15.88% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, RSP compounded at +16.53% per year against +21.83% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +9.22% and +12.01% respectively. Across the full 23-year window we track, RSP has the edge at +10.12% annualized vs +8.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
RSP has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.5% 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 -60.9% for RSP 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 0.96. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RSP charges 0.20% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $20 vs $3 annually, a gap of $17 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RSP currently yields 1.49% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
RSP and VTI share 395 holdings out of 2825 unique holdings combined, representing a 33.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, RSP or VTI?
RSP has an expense ratio of 0.20% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $17 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RSP or VTI?
Over the past year RSP returned +21.24% vs +22.35% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (23 years), RSP annualized +10.12% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RSP or VTI?
RSP has been the more volatile fund at 16.5% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: RSP -60.9% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both RSP and VTI?
RSP and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.96, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between RSP and VTI?
RSP and VTI share 395 common holdings with a 33.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2825 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RSP or VTI?
RSP yields 1.49% while VTI yields 1.07%, so RSP currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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