RFFC vs VTI
RFFC vs VTI
ALPS Active Equity Opportunity ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. RFFC delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | RFFC | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.48% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $30M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.91% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 58 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +14.36% | +14.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.78% | +24.16% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.12% | +21.12% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.21% | +12.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -36.5% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | ALPS Advisors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 6, 2016 | May 24, 2001 |
RFFC vs VTI Performance
ALPS Active Equity Opportunity ETF (RFFC) is a ETF from ALPS Advisors and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year RFFC returned +26.78% while VTI returned +24.16%. Year to date, RFFC is up 14.36% versus a gain of 14.20% for VTI.
Over three years, RFFC compounded at +21.12% per year against +21.12% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +12.21% and +12.37% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, RFFC has the edge at +12.23% annualized vs +8.14%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
RFFC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.2% 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 -36.5% for RFFC 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 0.97. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RFFC charges 0.48% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $48 vs $3 annually, a gap of $45 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RFFC currently yields 0.91% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
RFFC and VTI share 51 holdings out of 2789 unique holdings combined, representing a 35.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in RFFC | Weight in VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| AAPL | 5.64% | 5.84% | 0.20% |
| NVDA | 3.97% | 6.32% | 2.35% |
| MSFT | 4.53% | 3.81% | 0.72% |
| GOOGL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AMZN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| JNJ | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| META | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| JPM:US | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CAT | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| LLY | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings RFFC 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, RFFC or VTI?
RFFC has an expense ratio of 0.48% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $45 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RFFC or VTI?
Over the past year RFFC returned +26.78% vs +24.16% for VTI, so RFFC leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), RFFC annualized +12.23% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RFFC or VTI?
RFFC has been the more volatile fund at 16.2% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: RFFC -36.5% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both RFFC and VTI?
RFFC and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.97, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between RFFC and VTI?
RFFC and VTI share 51 common holdings with a 35.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2789 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RFFC or VTI?
RFFC yields 0.91% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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