MORT vs VXUS
VanEck Mortgage REIT Income 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 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MORT | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.43% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $375M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 12.75% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 28 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -1.32% | +14.07% | |
| 1Y Return | +7.50% | +27.24% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +6.21% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -1.24% | +9.14% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 24.1% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -75.0% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 16, 2011 | Jan 26, 2011 |
MORT vs VXUS Performance
VanEck Mortgage REIT Income ETF (MORT) is a ETF from VanEck and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MORT returned +7.50% while VXUS returned +27.24%. Year to date, MORT is down 1.32% versus a gain of 14.07% for VXUS.
Over three years, MORT compounded at +6.21% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -1.24% and +9.14% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.83% annualized vs -2.01%. 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 15.1% 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 -75.0% for MORT 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 0.66. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MORT charges 0.43% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $43 vs $5 annually, a gap of $38 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MORT currently yields 12.75% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
MORT and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7886 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 VXUS?
MORT has an expense ratio of 0.43% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $38 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MORT or VXUS?
Over the past year MORT returned +7.50% vs +27.24% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), MORT annualized -2.01% vs +4.83% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MORT or VXUS?
MORT has been the more volatile fund at 24.1% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: MORT -75.0% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both MORT and VXUS?
MORT and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.66, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MORT and VXUS?
MORT and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7886 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MORT or VXUS?
MORT yields 12.75% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so MORT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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