RTAI vs VTI

Quick Verdict

VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.

Lower Fees: VTIHigher Returns: VTIMore Diversified: VTI

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricRTAIVTIWinner
Expense Ratio4.59%0.03%
AUM$18M$663.5B
Dividend Yield4.93%1.07%
Holdings133,543
YTD Return-1.17%+14.16%
1Y Return+4.80%+23.62%
3Y Return (annualized)+5.77%+21.43%
5Y Return (annualized)-2.10%+12.33%
Volatility (annualized)13.7%15.3%
Max Drawdown-34.3%-56.6%
Fund FamilyRareview CapitalVanguard (US)
CategoryFixed IncomeEquity
InceptionOct 21, 2020May 24, 2001

RTAI vs VTI Performance

Rareview Tax Advantaged Income ETF (RTAI) is a ETF from Rareview Capital and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year RTAI returned +4.80% while VTI returned +23.62%. Year to date, RTAI is down 1.17% versus a gain of 14.16% for VTI.

Over three years, RTAI compounded at +5.77% per year against +21.43% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are -2.10% and +12.33% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.14% annualized vs +0.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 13.7% for RTAI. 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 -34.3% for RTAI 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 0.69. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

RTAI charges 4.59% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $459 vs $3 annually, a gap of $456 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RTAI currently yields 4.93% against 1.07% for VTI.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

RTAI and VTI share 1 holdings out of 2792 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in RTAIWeight in VTIDifference
MHD13.48%0.00%13.48%

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, RTAI or VTI?

RTAI has an expense ratio of 4.59% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $456 per year of difference.

Which performed better, RTAI or VTI?

Over the past year RTAI returned +4.80% vs +23.62% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), RTAI annualized +0.89% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, RTAI or VTI?

VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 13.7% for RTAI. Worst drawdown: RTAI -34.3% vs VTI -56.6%.

Should I hold both RTAI and VTI?

RTAI and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.69, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between RTAI and VTI?

RTAI and VTI share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2792 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, RTAI or VTI?

RTAI yields 4.93% while VTI yields 1.07%, so RTAI currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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