MMAX vs VTI
iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Mar ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MMAX | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $73M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.77% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 7 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +4.16% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +5.65% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 1.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -1.9% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 31, 2025 | May 24, 2001 |
MMAX vs VTI Performance
iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Mar ETF (MMAX) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MMAX returned +5.65% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, MMAX is up 4.16% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 1.5% for MMAX. 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 -1.9% for MMAX 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 0.63. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MMAX charges 0.50% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $3 annually, a gap of $47 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MMAX currently yields 0.77% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
MMAX and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2790 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, MMAX or VTI?
MMAX has an expense ratio of 0.50% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $47 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MMAX or VTI?
Over the past year MMAX returned +5.65% vs +22.35% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), MMAX annualized +6.35% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MMAX or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 1.5% for MMAX. Worst drawdown: MMAX -1.9% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both MMAX and VTI?
MMAX and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.63, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MMAX and VTI?
MMAX and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2790 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MMAX or VTI?
MMAX yields 0.77% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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