MOTG vs VTI
VanEck Morningstar Global Wide Moat ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MOTG | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.52% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $18M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.37% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 78 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +4.50% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | -5.86% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.20% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.88% | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -31.8% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 30, 2018 | May 24, 2001 |
MOTG vs VTI Performance
VanEck Morningstar Global Wide Moat ETF (MOTG) is a ETF from VanEck and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MOTG returned -5.86% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, MOTG is up 4.50% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, MOTG compounded at +10.20% per year against +21.83% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +3.88% and +12.01% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, MOTG has the edge at +9.41% annualized vs +8.09%. 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 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 -31.8% for MOTG 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 0.87. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MOTG charges 0.52% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $52 vs $3 annually, a gap of $49 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MOTG currently yields 2.37% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
MOTG and VTI share 26 holdings out of 2833 unique holdings combined, representing a 9.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, MOTG or VTI?
MOTG has an expense ratio of 0.52% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $49 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MOTG or VTI?
Over the past year MOTG returned -5.86% vs +22.35% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), MOTG annualized +9.41% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MOTG or VTI?
MOTG has been the more volatile fund at 16.8% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: MOTG -31.8% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both MOTG and VTI?
MOTG and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.87, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MOTG and VTI?
MOTG and VTI share 26 common holdings with a 9.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2833 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MOTG or VTI?
MOTG yields 2.37% while VTI yields 1.07%, so MOTG 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.