RVT vs VXUS
Royce Small-Cap Trust Inc vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. RVT delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | RVT | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.34% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $1.7B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.79% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 473 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +20.97% | +14.19% | |
| 1Y Return | +35.17% | +27.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.09% | +19.53% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.95% | +9.03% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.8% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -79.1% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 19, 1986 | Jan 26, 2011 |
RVT vs VXUS Performance
Royce Small-Cap Trust Inc (RVT) is a ETF from Franklin Templeton Investments (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year RVT returned +35.17% while VXUS returned +27.38%. Year to date, RVT is up 20.97% versus a gain of 14.19% for VXUS.
Over three years, RVT compounded at +20.09% per year against +19.53% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +8.95% and +9.03% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.83% annualized vs +3.03%. 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 15.1% 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 -79.1% for RVT 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 0.81. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RVT charges 1.34% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $134 vs $5 annually, a gap of $129 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RVT currently yields 6.79% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
RVT and VXUS share 20 holdings out of 8312 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, RVT or VXUS?
RVT has an expense ratio of 1.34% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $129 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RVT or VXUS?
Over the past year RVT returned +35.17% vs +27.38% for VXUS, so RVT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), RVT annualized +3.03% vs +4.83% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RVT or VXUS?
RVT has been the more volatile fund at 22.8% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: RVT -79.1% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both RVT and VXUS?
RVT and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.81, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between RVT and VXUS?
RVT and VXUS share 20 common holdings with a 0.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8312 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RVT or VXUS?
RVT yields 6.79% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so RVT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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