MFDX vs VTI
PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor International Equity ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Which is better, MFDX or VTI?
Each has led over a different period.
VTI has a lower expense ratio. MFDX led over 1Y, VTI over 3Y, 5Y and the full window.
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 | $466M | $666.9B |
| Dividend Yield | 2.84% | 1.03% |
| Holdings | 1,300 | 3,543 |
| YTD Return | +10.84% | +11.65%Best |
| 1Y Return | +17.99%Best | +17.34% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.60% | +20.35%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.32% | +11.72%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.9%Best | 16.6% |
| Max Drawdown | -39.1% | -35.0%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $16,341 | $17,404Best |
| Fund Family | PIMCO (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Aug 31, 2017 | May 24, 2001 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Sep 6, 2017 to Sep 10, 2026 (9 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 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 +17.99% while VTI returned +17.34%. Year to date, MFDX is up 10.84% versus a gain of 11.65% for VTI.
Over three years, MFDX compounded at +18.60% per year against +20.35% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +10.32% and +11.72% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +13.71% annualized vs +7.96%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.6% compared with 14.9% 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
We hold position weights for 950 holdings in MFDX and 2,787 in VTI, totalling 79.6% and 90.6% of the two funds. Neither is a share of a fund we can divide by, so no overlap percentage is shown here. Within what we can see, 8 positions appear in both.
8 positions in common, counted across the 950 positions we hold weights for in MFDX and 2,787 in VTI, against full books of 1,300 and 3,543.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in MFDX | Weight in VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| GRMNGarmin Ltd. | 0.14% | 0.05% | 0.09% |
| MTX:SGMtu Aero Engines Ag | 0.08% | 0.00% | 0.08% |
| SIG:AUSigma Pharmaceuticals Ltd | 0.08% | 0.00% | 0.08% |
| WCN:CAWaste Connections Inc | 0.01% | 0.06% | 0.05% |
| AI:PAAir Liquide Sa - Pf - 2028 | 0.06% | 0.00% | 0.06% |
| CCCSCCC Intelligent Solutions Holdings Inc | 0.04% | 0.00% | 0.04% |
| SGP:AUStockland | 0.04% | 0.00% | 0.04% |
| FBK:MIFinecobank S.P.A. | 0.04% | 0.00% | 0.04% |
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 +17.99% vs +17.34% for VTI, so MFDX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), MFDX annualized +7.96% vs +13.71% 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 16.6% annualized versus 14.9% 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. MFDX led over 1Y, VTI over 3Y, 5Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.