MDST vs VOO
Westwood Salient Enhanced Midstream Income ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. MDST delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MDST | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.80% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $297M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 9.98% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 110 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +18.82% | +12.87% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.98% | +21.15% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +20.93% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.76% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.8% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -14.2% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Westwood Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 8, 2024 | Sep 7, 2010 |
MDST vs VOO Performance
Westwood Salient Enhanced Midstream Income ETF (MDST) is a ETF from Westwood Funds and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MDST returned +21.98% while VOO returned +21.15%. Year to date, MDST is up 18.82% versus a gain of 12.87% for VOO.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.1% compared with 10.8% for MDST. 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 -14.2% for MDST and -34.3% for VOO. 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 0.25. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MDST charges 0.80% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $80 vs $3 annually, a gap of $77 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MDST currently yields 9.98% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
MDST and VOO share 4 holdings out of 526 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, MDST or VOO?
MDST has an expense ratio of 0.80% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $77 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MDST or VOO?
Over the past year MDST returned +21.98% vs +21.15% for VOO, so MDST leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), MDST annualized +18.70% vs +13.46% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MDST or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 10.8% for MDST. Worst drawdown: MDST -14.2% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both MDST and VOO?
MDST and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.25, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MDST and VOO?
MDST and VOO share 4 common holdings with a 0.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 526 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MDST or VOO?
MDST yields 9.98% while VOO yields 1.08%, so MDST currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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