MNA vs VTI
NYLI Merger Arbitrage ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MNA | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.77% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $252M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.21% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 101 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +2.12% | +14.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.61% | +22.19% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.77% | +21.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.25% | +12.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -16.7% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | INDEXIQ ETF TRUST | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 17, 2009 | May 24, 2001 |
MNA vs VTI Performance
NYLI Merger Arbitrage ETF (MNA) is a ETF from INDEXIQ ETF TRUST and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MNA returned +2.61% while VTI returned +22.19%. Year to date, MNA is up 2.12% versus a gain of 14.22% for VTI.
Over three years, MNA compounded at +5.77% per year against +21.27% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +2.25% and +12.23% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.14% annualized vs +2.68%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 4.8% for MNA. 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 -16.7% for MNA 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 0.44. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MNA charges 0.77% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $77 vs $3 annually, a gap of $74 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MNA currently yields 1.21% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
MNA and VTI share 20 holdings out of 2823 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, MNA or VTI?
MNA has an expense ratio of 0.77% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $74 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MNA or VTI?
Over the past year MNA returned +2.61% vs +22.19% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), MNA annualized +2.68% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MNA or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 4.8% for MNA. Worst drawdown: MNA -16.7% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both MNA and VTI?
MNA and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.44, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MNA and VTI?
MNA and VTI share 20 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2823 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MNA or VTI?
MNA yields 1.21% while VTI yields 1.07%, so MNA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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