RTH vs VXUS
VanEck Retail ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | RTH | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.35% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $250M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.95% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 27 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +8.09% | +15.24% | |
| 1Y Return | +9.89% | +26.32% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.38% | +19.85% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.58% | +9.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.9% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -42.4% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 20, 2011 | Jan 26, 2011 |
RTH vs VXUS Performance
VanEck Retail ETF (RTH) is a ETF from VanEck and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year RTH returned +9.89% while VXUS returned +26.32%. Year to date, RTH is up 8.09% versus a gain of 15.24% for VXUS.
Over three years, RTH compounded at +15.38% per year against +19.85% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +9.58% and +9.23% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, RTH has the edge at +9.84% annualized vs +4.89%. 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 15.1% for VXUS. 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 -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 0.66. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RTH charges 0.35% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $35 vs $5 annually, a gap of $30 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RTH currently yields 0.95% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
RTH and VXUS share 2 holdings out of 7884 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, RTH or VXUS?
RTH has an expense ratio of 0.35% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $30 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RTH or VXUS?
Over the past year RTH returned +9.89% vs +26.32% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), RTH annualized +9.84% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RTH or VXUS?
RTH has been the more volatile fund at 15.9% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: RTH -42.4% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both RTH and VXUS?
RTH and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.66, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between RTH and VXUS?
RTH and VXUS share 2 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7884 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RTH or VXUS?
RTH yields 0.95% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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