RTH vs VTI
VanEck Retail ETF vs Vanguard 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 | RTH | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.35% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $250M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.95% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 27 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +8.09% | +14.96% | |
| 1Y Return | +9.89% | +22.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.38% | +21.51% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.58% | +12.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.9% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -42.4% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 20, 2011 | May 24, 2001 |
RTH vs VTI Performance
VanEck Retail ETF (RTH) is a ETF from VanEck and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year RTH returned +9.89% while VTI returned +22.39%. Year to date, RTH is up 8.09% versus a gain of 14.96% for VTI.
Over three years, RTH compounded at +15.38% per year against +21.51% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +9.58% and +12.36% respectively. Across the full 25-year window we track, RTH has the edge at +9.84% annualized vs +8.16%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
RTH has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.9% compared with 15.4% 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 -42.4% for RTH 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 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RTH charges 0.35% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $35 vs $3 annually, a gap of $32 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RTH currently yields 0.95% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
RTH and VTI share 23 holdings out of 2785 unique holdings combined, representing a 6.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, RTH or VTI?
RTH has an expense ratio of 0.35% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $32 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RTH or VTI?
Over the past year RTH returned +9.89% vs +22.39% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (25 years), RTH annualized +9.84% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RTH or VTI?
RTH has been the more volatile fund at 15.9% annualized versus 15.4% for VTI. Worst drawdown: RTH -42.4% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both RTH and VTI?
RTH and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between RTH and VTI?
RTH and VTI share 23 common holdings with a 6.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2785 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RTH or VTI?
RTH yields 0.95% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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