MEDX vs VTI
Horizon Kinetics Medical ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. MEDX delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MEDX | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $17M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.17% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 34 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +7.54% | +14.82% | |
| 1Y Return | +28.30% | +22.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +9.07% | +21.93% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.34% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.3% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -21.6% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Horizon Kinetics LLC | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 27, 2023 | May 24, 2001 |
MEDX vs VTI Performance
Horizon Kinetics Medical ETF (MEDX) is a ETF from Horizon Kinetics LLC and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MEDX returned +28.30% while VTI returned +22.43%. Year to date, MEDX is up 7.54% versus a gain of 14.82% for VTI.
Over three years, MEDX compounded at +9.07% per year against +21.93% for VTI. Across the full 4-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.16% annualized vs +7.01%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.4% compared with 14.3% for MEDX. 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 -21.6% for MEDX 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 0.41. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MEDX charges 0.85% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $3 annually, a gap of $82 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MEDX currently yields 1.17% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
MEDX and VTI share 21 holdings out of 2797 unique holdings combined, representing a 4.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, MEDX or VTI?
MEDX has an expense ratio of 0.85% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $82 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MEDX or VTI?
Over the past year MEDX returned +28.30% vs +22.43% for VTI, so MEDX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), MEDX annualized +7.01% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MEDX or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.4% annualized versus 14.3% for MEDX. Worst drawdown: MEDX -21.6% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both MEDX and VTI?
MEDX and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.41, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MEDX and VTI?
MEDX and VTI share 21 common holdings with a 4.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2797 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MEDX or VTI?
MEDX yields 1.17% while VTI yields 1.07%, so MEDX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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