MARO vs VTI
YieldMax MARA Option Income Strategy 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 | MARO | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.00% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $42M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 202.89% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 14 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -7.27% | +12.65% | |
| 1Y Return | -41.97% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.11% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 52.0% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -71.8% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | YieldMax ETF | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 9, 2024 | May 24, 2001 |
MARO vs VTI Performance
YieldMax MARA Option Income Strategy ETF (MARO) is a ETF from YieldMax ETF and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MARO returned -41.97% while VTI returned +21.39%. Year to date, MARO is down 7.27% versus a gain of 12.65% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MARO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 52.0% 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 -71.8% for MARO 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 0.72. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MARO charges 1.00% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $100 vs $3 annually, a gap of $97 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MARO currently yields 202.89% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
MARO and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2788 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, MARO or VTI?
MARO has an expense ratio of 1.00% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $97 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MARO or VTI?
Over the past year MARO returned -41.97% vs +21.39% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), MARO annualized -40.74% vs +8.07% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MARO or VTI?
MARO has been the more volatile fund at 52.0% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: MARO -71.8% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both MARO and VTI?
MARO and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.72, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MARO and VTI?
MARO and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2788 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MARO or VTI?
MARO yields 202.89% while VTI yields 1.07%, so MARO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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