MOAT vs VXUS
VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MOAT | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.46% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $11.9B | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.30% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 57 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +10.19% | +15.77% | |
| 1Y Return | +15.92% | +26.56% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.05% | +20.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.36% | +9.53% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 154573.1% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -96.0% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 24, 2012 | Jan 26, 2011 |
MOAT vs VXUS Performance
VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF (MOAT) is a ETF from VanEck and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MOAT returned +15.92% while VXUS returned +26.56%. Year to date, MOAT is up 10.19% versus a gain of 15.77% for VXUS.
Over three years, MOAT compounded at +14.05% per year against +20.47% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +9.36% and +9.53% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, MOAT has the edge at +52.39% annualized vs +4.91%. 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 15.1% for VXUS. 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 -39.9% for VXUS. 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 -0.05. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MOAT charges 0.46% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $46 vs $5 annually, a gap of $41 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MOAT currently yields 1.30% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
MOAT and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7924 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, MOAT or VXUS?
MOAT has an expense ratio of 0.46% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $41 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MOAT or VXUS?
Over the past year MOAT returned +15.92% vs +26.56% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), MOAT annualized +52.39% vs +4.91% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MOAT or VXUS?
MOAT has been the more volatile fund at 154573.1% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: MOAT -96.0% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both MOAT and VXUS?
MOAT and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of -0.05, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MOAT and VXUS?
MOAT and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7924 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MOAT or VXUS?
MOAT yields 1.30% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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