MFDX vs VTI
PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor International Equity ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Which is better, MFDX or VTI?
VTI has been ahead.
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. MFDX is less concentrated, with 8.1% of the fund in its ten largest positions against 33.3%.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MFDX | VTI |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.39% | 0.03%Best |
| AUM | $457M | $690.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 2.84% | 1.03% |
| Holdings | 1,300 | 3,524 |
| YTD Return | +8.88% | +13.35%Best |
| 1Y Return | +14.75% | +15.92%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.22% | +23.41%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.85% | +12.83%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.8%Best | 16.5% |
| Max Drawdown | -39.1% | -35.0%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $16,737 | $18,286Best |
| Top 10 Weight | 8.1%Best | 33.3% |
| Fund Family | PIMCO (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Aug 31, 2017 | May 24, 2001 |
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Sep 6, 2017 to Oct 2, 2026 (9.1 years).
MFDX vs VTI growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 9.1 years both funds cover.
MFDX vs VTI Performance
PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor International Equity ETF (MFDX) is an ETF from PIMCO (US) and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MFDX returned +14.75% while VTI returned +15.92%. Year to date, MFDX is up 8.88% versus a gain of 13.35% for VTI.
Over three years, MFDX compounded at +20.22% per year against +23.41% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +10.85% and +12.83% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +13.80% annualized vs +7.69%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.5% compared with 14.8% for MFDX. 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 -39.1% for MFDX and -35.0% for VTI. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MFDX charges 0.39% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $39 vs $3 annually, a gap of $36 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MFDX currently yields 2.84% against 1.03% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
0.4% of MFDX's money is in holdings VTI also owns. 0.1% of VTI's money is in holdings MFDX also owns.
We cannot see either book well enough to say how much of this pair is duplicated.
The two holdings books were reported 46 days apart, MFDX as of Sep 15, 2026 and VTI as of Jul 31, 2026, so some of the difference between them is the time between the two reports rather than the funds.
8 positions in common, counted across the 1,272 positions we hold weights for in MFDX and 3,463 in VTI, against full books of 1,300 and 3,524.
What only one of them owns
Our book lists 1,149 positions for VTI that do not appear in our book for MFDX (97.4% of the fund), and 29 for MFDX that do not appear in VTI (4.8%).
Some of those will be the same company recorded under a different code in one of the two books, so the real difference in what you would own is no larger than this and may be smaller. We do not name the individual positions here for that reason.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in MFDX | Weight in VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| GRMNGarminltd. | 0.14% | 0.07% | 0.07% |
| SIG:LNSignet Jewelers Limited Common Shares | 0.08% | 0.01% | 0.07% |
| WCN:CAWaste Connections Inc Common Stock Cad 0 | 0.01% | 0.06% | 0.05% |
| SGP:AUStockland | 0.05% | 0.00% | 0.05% |
| CCCSCcc Intelligent Solutions Hold | 0.05% | 0.00% | 0.05% |
| FBKFb Financial Corp | 0.04% | 0.00% | 0.04% |
| RIG:SMTransocean Ltd Common Stock | 0.02% | 0.01% | 0.01% |
| LION:CALionsgate Studios Corp. Common Shares | 0.01% | 0.00% | 0.01% |
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of MFDX and VTI you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, MFDX or VTI?
MFDX has an expense ratio of 0.39% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option, by $36 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, MFDX or VTI?
Over the past year MFDX returned +14.75% vs +15.92% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), MFDX annualized +7.69% vs +13.80% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, MFDX or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 16.5% annualized versus 14.8% for MFDX. Worst drawdown: MFDX -39.1% vs VTI -35.0%.
Should I hold both MFDX and VTI?
MFDX and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, MFDX or VTI?
MFDX yields 2.84% while VTI yields 1.03%, so MFDX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VTI better than MFDX?
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. MFDX is less concentrated, with 8.1% of the fund in its ten largest positions against 33.3%. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.