MEAR vs VTI
iShares Short Maturity Municipal Bond Active 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 | MEAR | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.26% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.4B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.84% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 346 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -0.20% | +13.87% | |
| 1Y Return | +0.69% | +23.31% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +2.85% | +21.17% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.11% | +12.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -14.4% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 3, 2015 | May 24, 2001 |
MEAR vs VTI Performance
iShares Short Maturity Municipal Bond Active ETF (MEAR) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MEAR returned +0.69% while VTI returned +23.31%. Year to date, MEAR is down 0.20% versus a gain of 13.87% for VTI.
Over three years, MEAR compounded at +2.85% per year against +21.17% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +2.11% and +12.23% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.13% annualized vs +1.52%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 6.5% for MEAR. 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 -14.4% for MEAR 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 0.02. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MEAR charges 0.26% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $26 vs $3 annually, a gap of $23 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MEAR currently yields 2.84% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
MEAR and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2858 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, MEAR or VTI?
MEAR has an expense ratio of 0.26% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $23 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MEAR or VTI?
Over the past year MEAR returned +0.69% vs +23.31% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), MEAR annualized +1.52% vs +8.13% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MEAR or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 6.5% for MEAR. Worst drawdown: MEAR -14.4% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both MEAR and VTI?
MEAR and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.02, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MEAR and VTI?
MEAR and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2858 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MEAR or VTI?
MEAR yields 2.84% while VTI yields 1.07%, so MEAR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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