RVT vs VTI
Royce Small-Cap Trust Inc vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. RVT delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | RVT | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.34% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.7B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.98% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 473 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +19.23% | +12.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +30.65% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.66% | +21.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.40% | +12.11% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -79.1% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 19, 1986 | May 24, 2001 |
RVT vs VTI Performance
Royce Small-Cap Trust Inc (RVT) is a ETF from Franklin Templeton Investments (US) and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year RVT returned +30.65% while VTI returned +21.39%. Year to date, RVT is up 19.23% versus a gain of 12.65% for VTI.
Over three years, RVT compounded at +20.66% per year against +21.54% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +9.40% and +12.11% respectively. Across the full 25-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.07% annualized vs +2.98%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
RVT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.8% 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 -79.1% for RVT 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 0.89. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RVT charges 1.34% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $134 vs $3 annually, a gap of $131 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RVT currently yields 6.98% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
RVT and VTI share 326 holdings out of 2931 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, RVT or VTI?
RVT has an expense ratio of 1.34% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $131 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RVT or VTI?
Over the past year RVT returned +30.65% vs +21.39% for VTI, so RVT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (25 years), RVT annualized +2.98% vs +8.07% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RVT or VTI?
RVT has been the more volatile fund at 22.8% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: RVT -79.1% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both RVT and VTI?
RVT and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.89, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between RVT and VTI?
RVT and VTI share 326 common holdings with a 1.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2931 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RVT or VTI?
RVT yields 6.98% while VTI yields 1.07%, so RVT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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