MOTG vs VYM
VanEck Morningstar Global Wide Moat ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MOTG | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.52% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $18M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.37% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 78 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +4.50% | +15.34% | |
| 1Y Return | -5.86% | +23.24% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.20% | +19.22% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.88% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.8% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -31.8% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 30, 2018 | Nov 10, 2006 |
MOTG vs VYM Performance
VanEck Morningstar Global Wide Moat ETF (MOTG) is a ETF from VanEck and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MOTG returned -5.86% while VYM returned +23.24%. Year to date, MOTG is up 4.50% versus a gain of 15.34% for VYM.
Over three years, MOTG compounded at +10.20% per year against +19.22% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +3.88% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, MOTG has the edge at +9.41% annualized vs +7.04%. 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 14.6% for VYM. 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 -58.8% for VYM. 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 VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $52 vs $4 annually, a gap of $48 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MOTG currently yields 2.37% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
MOTG and VYM share 12 holdings out of 663 unique holdings combined, representing a 4.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, MOTG or VYM?
MOTG has an expense ratio of 0.52% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $48 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MOTG or VYM?
Over the past year MOTG returned -5.86% vs +23.24% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), MOTG annualized +9.41% vs +7.04% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MOTG or VYM?
MOTG has been the more volatile fund at 16.8% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: MOTG -31.8% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both MOTG and VYM?
MOTG and VYM 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 VYM?
MOTG and VYM share 12 common holdings with a 4.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 663 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MOTG or VYM?
MOTG yields 2.37% while VYM yields 2.24%, so MOTG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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