MMSD vs VTI

Quick Verdict

VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.

Lower Fees: VTIHigher Returns: VTIMore Diversified: VTI

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMMSDVTIWinner
Expense Ratio0.25%0.03%
AUM$75M$663.5B
Dividend Yield3.85%1.07%
Holdings1243,543
YTD Return+1.52%+13.87%
1Y Return+3.08%+23.31%
3Y Return (annualized)-+21.17%
5Y Return (annualized)-+12.23%
Volatility (annualized)1.8%15.3%
Max Drawdown-1.4%-56.6%
Fund FamilyNew York Life InvestmentsVanguard (US)
CategoryFixed IncomeEquity
InceptionMay 6, 2025May 24, 2001

MMSD vs VTI Performance

NYLI MacKay Muni Short Duration ETF (MMSD) is a ETF from New York Life Investments and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MMSD returned +3.08% while VTI returned +23.31%. Year to date, MMSD is up 1.52% versus a gain of 13.87% for VTI.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 1.8% for MMSD. 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 -1.4% for MMSD 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 0.58. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

MMSD charges 0.25% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $25 vs $3 annually, a gap of $22 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MMSD currently yields 3.85% against 1.07% for VTI.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

MMSD and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2814 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, MMSD or VTI?

MMSD has an expense ratio of 0.25% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $22 per year of difference.

Which performed better, MMSD or VTI?

Over the past year MMSD returned +3.08% vs +23.31% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), MMSD annualized +4.15% vs +8.13% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, MMSD or VTI?

VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 1.8% for MMSD. Worst drawdown: MMSD -1.4% vs VTI -56.6%.

Should I hold both MMSD and VTI?

MMSD and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.58, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between MMSD and VTI?

MMSD and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2814 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, MMSD or VTI?

MMSD yields 3.85% while VTI yields 1.07%, so MMSD currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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