MOAT vs VYM
VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Which is better, MOAT or VYM?
Large Cap Blend against Large Cap Value.
VYM has a lower expense ratio. MOAT led over the full window, VYM over 1Y, 3Y and 5Y. VYM is less concentrated, with 26.1% of the fund in its ten largest positions against 27.1%.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MOAT | VYM |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.46% | 0.04%Best |
| AUM | $11.9B | $81.6B |
| Dividend Yield | 1.23% | 2.22% |
| Holdings | 56 | 613 |
| YTD Return | +6.18% | +13.08%Best |
| 1Y Return | +12.73% | +17.46%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.73% | +17.73%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.98% | +12.22%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 154208.1% | 14.7%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -96.0% | -58.8%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $15,372 | $17,797Best |
| Top 10 Weight | 27.1% | 26.1%Best |
| Fund Family | VanEck | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Large Cap Value |
| Inception | Apr 24, 2012 | Nov 10, 2006 |
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Aug 29, 2007 to Sep 14, 2026 (19 years).
MOAT vs VYM growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view is available from the range buttons; it is not the opening view here because over the whole period one of these two funds moves so much further than the other that its line would sit flat on the axis.
MOAT vs VYM Performance
VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF (MOAT) is an ETF from VanEck and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MOAT returned +12.73% while VYM returned +17.46%. Year to date, MOAT is up 6.18% versus a gain of 13.08% for VYM.
Over three years, MOAT compounded at +12.73% per year against +17.73% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +8.98% and +12.22% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, MOAT has the edge at +51.91% annualized vs +6.93%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MOAT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 154208.1% compared with 14.7% for VYM. 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 -58.8% for VYM. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at -0.01. They move largely independently of each other.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MOAT charges 0.46% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $46 vs $4 annually, a gap of $42 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MOAT currently yields 1.23% against 2.22% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
42.3% of MOAT's money is in holdings VYM also owns. 12.3% of VYM's money is in holdings MOAT also owns.
The two portfolios partly overlap.
25 positions in common, counted across the 55 positions we hold weights for in MOAT and 557 in VYM, against full books of 56 and 613.
What only one of them owns
Measured across the 55 and 557 positions we hold weights for.
VYM holds 503 positions MOAT does not, 84.8% of the fund.
Largest: JPM 3.82%, XOM 2.63%, JNJ 2.51%, CSCO 1.86%, ABBV 1.80%
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in MOAT | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| AVGOBroadcom Inc | 2.19% | 7.35% | 5.16% |
| BMYBristol-Myers Squibb Co. | 2.60% | 0.54% | 2.06% |
| MDLZMondelez International Inc Com A Npv | 2.30% | 0.32% | 1.98% |
| ELEstee Lauder Cos., Inc. | 2.50% | 0.08% | 2.42% |
| BRBroadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. | 2.42% | 0.07% | 2.35% |
| KVUEKenvue Inc | 2.34% | 0.15% | 2.19% |
| MASMasco Corp. | 2.35% | 0.06% | 2.29% |
| BFBBrown-Forman Corp-Class B | 2.27% | 0.02% | 2.25% |
| OTISOtis Worldwide | 2.03% | 0.11% | 1.92% |
| STZConstellation Brands Inc Common Stock Usd 0.01 | 2.01% | 0.07% | 1.94% |
42.3% of MOAT is already inside VYM.
You probably hold more than these two. Add the rest and see how much of the whole book is the same companies twice.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, MOAT or VYM?
MOAT has an expense ratio of 0.46% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option, by $42 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, MOAT or VYM?
Over the past year MOAT returned +12.73% vs +17.46% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), MOAT annualized +51.91% vs +6.93% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, MOAT or VYM?
MOAT has been the more volatile fund at 154208.1% annualized versus 14.7% for VYM. Worst drawdown: MOAT -96.0% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both MOAT and VYM?
MOAT and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of -0.01, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
What is the holdings overlap between MOAT and VYM?
42.3% of MOAT's money is in holdings VYM also owns. 12.3% of VYM's is in holdings MOAT also owns. They hold 25 positions in common, counted across the 55 positions we hold weights for in MOAT and 557 in VYM.
Which pays a higher dividend, MOAT or VYM?
MOAT yields 1.23% while VYM yields 2.22%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VYM better than MOAT?
VYM has a lower expense ratio. MOAT led over the full window, VYM over 1Y, 3Y and 5Y. VYM is less concentrated, with 26.1% of the fund in its ten largest positions against 27.1%. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.