MKOR vs VTI
Matthews Korea Active ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. MKOR delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MKOR | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.79% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $137M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.81% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 47 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +71.58% | +14.82% | |
| 1Y Return | +127.15% | +22.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +39.55% | +21.93% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.34% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 37.1% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -29.4% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Matthews Asia Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 29, 2010 | May 24, 2001 |
MKOR vs VTI Performance
Matthews Korea Active ETF (MKOR) is a ETF from Matthews Asia Funds and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MKOR returned +127.15% while VTI returned +22.43%. Year to date, MKOR is up 71.58% versus a gain of 14.82% for VTI.
Over three years, MKOR compounded at +39.55% per year against +21.93% for VTI. Across the full 3-year window we track, MKOR has the edge at +34.97% annualized vs +8.16%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MKOR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 37.1% 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 -29.4% for MKOR 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 0.59. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MKOR charges 0.79% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $79 vs $3 annually, a gap of $76 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MKOR currently yields 1.81% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
MKOR and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2838 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, MKOR or VTI?
MKOR has an expense ratio of 0.79% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $76 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MKOR or VTI?
Over the past year MKOR returned +127.15% vs +22.43% for VTI, so MKOR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), MKOR annualized +34.97% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MKOR or VTI?
MKOR has been the more volatile fund at 37.1% annualized versus 15.4% for VTI. Worst drawdown: MKOR -29.4% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both MKOR and VTI?
MKOR and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.59, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MKOR and VTI?
MKOR and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2838 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MKOR or VTI?
MKOR yields 1.81% while VTI yields 1.07%, so MKOR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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