MORT vs VTI
VanEck Mortgage REIT Income 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 | MORT | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.43% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $375M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 12.75% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 28 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -0.31% | +14.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +7.17% | +22.19% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +7.10% | +21.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -1.09% | +12.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 24.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -75.0% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 16, 2011 | May 24, 2001 |
MORT vs VTI Performance
VanEck Mortgage REIT Income ETF (MORT) is a ETF from VanEck and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MORT returned +7.17% while VTI returned +22.19%. Year to date, MORT is down 0.31% versus a gain of 14.22% for VTI.
Over three years, MORT compounded at +7.10% per year against +21.27% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are -1.09% and +12.23% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.14% annualized vs -1.95%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MORT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 24.1% compared with 15.3% for VTI. 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 -75.0% for MORT 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 0.69. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MORT charges 0.43% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $43 vs $3 annually, a gap of $40 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MORT currently yields 12.75% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
MORT and VTI share 18 holdings out of 2790 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, MORT or VTI?
MORT has an expense ratio of 0.43% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $40 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MORT or VTI?
Over the past year MORT returned +7.17% vs +22.19% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), MORT annualized -1.95% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MORT or VTI?
MORT has been the more volatile fund at 24.1% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: MORT -75.0% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both MORT and VTI?
MORT and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.69, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MORT and VTI?
MORT and VTI share 18 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2790 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MORT or VTI?
MORT yields 12.75% while VTI yields 1.07%, so MORT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.