MDST vs VTI
Westwood Salient Enhanced Midstream Income 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 | MDST | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.80% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $285M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 10.20% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 118 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +17.29% | +14.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.37% | +22.19% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -14.2% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Westwood Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 8, 2024 | May 24, 2001 |
MDST vs VTI Performance
Westwood Salient Enhanced Midstream Income ETF (MDST) is a ETF from Westwood Funds and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MDST returned +21.37% while VTI returned +22.19%. Year to date, MDST is up 17.29% versus a gain of 14.22% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% 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 -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 0.27. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MDST charges 0.80% per year while VTI 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 10.20% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
MDST and VTI share 9 holdings out of 2796 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, MDST or VTI?
MDST has an expense ratio of 0.80% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $77 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MDST or VTI?
Over the past year MDST returned +21.37% vs +22.19% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), MDST annualized +18.50% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MDST or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 10.8% for MDST. Worst drawdown: MDST -14.2% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both MDST and VTI?
MDST and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.27, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MDST and VTI?
MDST and VTI share 9 common holdings with a 0.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2796 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MDST or VTI?
MDST yields 10.20% while VTI yields 1.07%, so MDST currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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