RWR vs VTI
State Street SPDR Dow Jones REIT 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 | RWR | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.25% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.9B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.26% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 103 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +18.00% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.63% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.04% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.31% | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 43.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -77.0% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 23, 2001 | May 24, 2001 |
RWR vs VTI Performance
State Street SPDR Dow Jones REIT ETF (RWR) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year RWR returned +21.63% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, RWR is up 18.00% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, RWR compounded at +13.04% per year against +21.83% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +4.31% and +12.01% respectively. Across the full 25-year window we track, RWR has the edge at +9.95% annualized vs +8.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
RWR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 43.9% 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 -77.0% for RWR 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 0.34. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RWR charges 0.25% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $25 vs $3 annually, a gap of $22 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RWR currently yields 3.26% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
RWR and VTI share 71 holdings out of 2815 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, RWR or VTI?
RWR has an expense ratio of 0.25% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $22 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RWR or VTI?
Over the past year RWR returned +21.63% vs +22.35% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (25 years), RWR annualized +9.95% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RWR or VTI?
RWR has been the more volatile fund at 43.9% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: RWR -77.0% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both RWR and VTI?
RWR and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.34, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between RWR and VTI?
RWR and VTI share 71 common holdings with a 1.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2815 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RWR or VTI?
RWR yields 3.26% while VTI yields 1.07%, so RWR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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