MOAT vs VOO
VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MOAT | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.46% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $11.9B | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.30% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 57 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +10.73% | +12.38% | |
| 1Y Return | +16.49% | +20.22% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.54% | +21.79% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.49% | +12.84% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 154573.1% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -96.0% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 24, 2012 | Sep 7, 2010 |
MOAT vs VOO Performance
VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF (MOAT) is a ETF from VanEck and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MOAT returned +16.49% while VOO returned +20.22%. Year to date, MOAT is up 10.73% versus a gain of 12.38% for VOO.
Over three years, MOAT compounded at +14.54% per year against +21.79% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +9.49% and +12.84% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, MOAT has the edge at +52.44% annualized vs +13.45%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MOAT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 154573.1% compared with 14.1% for VOO. 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 -96.0% for MOAT and -34.3% for VOO. 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 -0.03. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MOAT charges 0.46% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $46 vs $3 annually, a gap of $43 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MOAT currently yields 1.30% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
MOAT and VOO share 48 holdings out of 512 unique holdings combined, representing a 15.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, MOAT or VOO?
MOAT has an expense ratio of 0.46% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $43 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MOAT or VOO?
Over the past year MOAT returned +16.49% vs +20.22% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), MOAT annualized +52.44% vs +13.45% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MOAT or VOO?
MOAT has been the more volatile fund at 154573.1% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: MOAT -96.0% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both MOAT and VOO?
MOAT and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of -0.03, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MOAT and VOO?
MOAT and VOO share 48 common holdings with a 15.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 512 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MOAT or VOO?
MOAT yields 1.30% while VOO yields 1.08%, so MOAT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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