MOTG vs SPY
VanEck Morningstar Global Wide Moat ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MOTG | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.52% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $18M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.37% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 78 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +4.50% | +12.68% | |
| 1Y Return | -5.86% | +21.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.20% | +21.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.88% | +12.89% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -31.8% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 30, 2018 | Jan 22, 1993 |
MOTG vs SPY Performance
VanEck Morningstar Global Wide Moat ETF (MOTG) is a ETF from VanEck and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year MOTG returned -5.86% while SPY returned +21.82%. Year to date, MOTG is up 4.50% versus a gain of 12.68% for SPY.
Over three years, MOTG compounded at +10.20% per year against +21.98% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +3.88% and +12.89% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, MOTG has the edge at +9.41% annualized vs +8.81%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MOTG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.8% compared with 15.3% for SPY. 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 -31.8% for MOTG and -56.5% for SPY. 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 0.86. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MOTG charges 0.52% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $52 vs $9 annually, a gap of $43 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MOTG currently yields 2.37% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
MOTG and SPY share 24 holdings out of 552 unique holdings combined, representing a 10.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, MOTG or SPY?
MOTG has an expense ratio of 0.52% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $43 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MOTG or SPY?
Over the past year MOTG returned -5.86% vs +21.82% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), MOTG annualized +9.41% vs +8.81% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MOTG or SPY?
MOTG has been the more volatile fund at 16.8% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: MOTG -31.8% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both MOTG and SPY?
MOTG and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.86, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MOTG and SPY?
MOTG and SPY share 24 common holdings with a 10.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 552 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MOTG or SPY?
MOTG yields 2.37% while SPY yields 1.01%, so MOTG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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