RBLD vs VTI
RBLD vs VTI
First Trust Alerian US NextGen Infrastructure ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | RBLD | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $57M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.03% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 104 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +17.77% | +13.92% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.51% | +24.07% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.73% | +20.88% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.47% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -19.1% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 13, 2008 | May 24, 2001 |
RBLD vs VTI Performance
First Trust Alerian US NextGen Infrastructure ETF (RBLD) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year RBLD returned +21.51% while VTI returned +24.07%. Year to date, RBLD is up 17.77% versus a gain of 13.92% for VTI.
Over three years, RBLD compounded at +19.73% per year against +20.88% for VTI. Across the full 4-year window we track, RBLD has the edge at +17.29% annualized vs +8.13%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
RBLD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.6% 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 -19.1% for RBLD 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 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RBLD charges 0.65% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $65 vs $3 annually, a gap of $62 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RBLD currently yields 1.03% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
RBLD and VTI share 97 holdings out of 2786 unique holdings combined, representing a 8.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in RBLD | Weight in VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAT | 0.94% | 0.67% | 0.27% |
| GEV | 0.94% | 0.43% | 0.51% |
| UNP | 1.07% | 0.22% | 0.85% |
| NEE | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MMM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| WAB | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ETN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| PH | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| SLB | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CEG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings RBLD shares with VTI Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, RBLD or VTI?
RBLD has an expense ratio of 0.65% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $62 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RBLD or VTI?
Over the past year RBLD returned +21.51% vs +24.07% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), RBLD annualized +17.29% vs +8.13% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RBLD or VTI?
RBLD has been the more volatile fund at 16.6% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: RBLD -19.1% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both RBLD and VTI?
RBLD and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between RBLD and VTI?
RBLD and VTI share 97 common holdings with a 8.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2786 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RBLD or VTI?
RBLD yields 1.03% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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