MOTG vs VXUS
VanEck Morningstar Global Wide Moat 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 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MOTG | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.52% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $18M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.37% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 78 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +4.10% | +14.33% | |
| 1Y Return | -6.34% | +25.32% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +9.92% | +20.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.98% | +9.72% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.8% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -31.8% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 30, 2018 | Jan 26, 2011 |
MOTG vs VXUS Performance
VanEck Morningstar Global Wide Moat ETF (MOTG) is a ETF from VanEck and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MOTG returned -6.34% while VXUS returned +25.32%. Year to date, MOTG is up 4.10% versus a gain of 14.33% for VXUS.
Over three years, MOTG compounded at +9.92% per year against +20.47% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +3.98% and +9.72% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, MOTG has the edge at +9.36% annualized vs +4.84%. 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 15.1% 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 -31.8% for MOTG 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 0.87. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MOTG charges 0.52% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $52 vs $5 annually, a gap of $47 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MOTG currently yields 2.37% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
MOTG and VXUS share 38 holdings out of 7903 unique holdings combined, representing a 5.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, MOTG or VXUS?
MOTG has an expense ratio of 0.52% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $47 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MOTG or VXUS?
Over the past year MOTG returned -6.34% vs +25.32% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), MOTG annualized +9.36% vs +4.84% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MOTG or VXUS?
MOTG has been the more volatile fund at 16.8% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: MOTG -31.8% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both MOTG and VXUS?
MOTG and VXUS 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 VXUS?
MOTG and VXUS share 38 common holdings with a 5.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7903 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MOTG or VXUS?
MOTG yields 2.37% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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