RW vs VTI
Rainwater Equity ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar 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 | RW | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $18M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.10% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 33 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +2.37% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.13% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.7% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -17.0% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Rainwater ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 17, 2025 | May 24, 2001 |
RW vs VTI Performance
Rainwater Equity ETF (RW) is a ETF from Rainwater ETFs and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year RW returned +1.13% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, RW is up 2.37% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 12.7% for RW. 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 -17.0% for RW 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 0.87. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RW charges 0.95% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $95 vs $3 annually, a gap of $92 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RW currently yields 0.10% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
RW and VTI share 25 holdings out of 2794 unique holdings combined, representing a 16.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, RW or VTI?
RW has an expense ratio of 0.95% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $92 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RW or VTI?
Over the past year RW returned +1.13% vs +22.35% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), RW annualized +2.10% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RW or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 12.7% for RW. Worst drawdown: RW -17.0% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both RW and VTI?
RW and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.87, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between RW and VTI?
RW and VTI share 25 common holdings with a 16.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2794 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RW or VTI?
RW yields 0.10% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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