MDY vs VTI
State Street SPDR S&P MIDCAP 400 ETF Trust vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. MDY delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MDY | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.23% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $27.5B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.02% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 401 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +17.86% | +14.82% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.35% | +22.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.67% | +21.93% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.95% | +12.34% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.9% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.3% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 4, 1995 | May 24, 2001 |
MDY vs VTI Performance
State Street SPDR S&P MIDCAP 400 ETF Trust (MDY) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MDY returned +24.35% while VTI returned +22.43%. Year to date, MDY is up 17.86% versus a gain of 14.82% for VTI.
Over three years, MDY compounded at +15.67% per year against +21.93% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +8.95% and +12.34% respectively. Across the full 25-year window we track, MDY has the edge at +9.81% annualized vs +8.16%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MDY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.9% compared with 15.4% 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 -56.3% for MDY 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 0.94. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MDY charges 0.23% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $23 vs $3 annually, a gap of $20 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MDY currently yields 1.02% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
MDY and VTI share 299 holdings out of 2888 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, MDY or VTI?
MDY has an expense ratio of 0.23% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $20 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MDY or VTI?
Over the past year MDY returned +24.35% vs +22.43% for VTI, so MDY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (25 years), MDY annualized +9.81% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MDY or VTI?
MDY has been the more volatile fund at 17.9% annualized versus 15.4% for VTI. Worst drawdown: MDY -56.3% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both MDY and VTI?
MDY and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.94, 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 MDY and VTI?
MDY and VTI share 299 common holdings with a 2.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2888 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MDY or VTI?
MDY yields 1.02% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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