MOTI vs SPY
VanEck Morningstar International 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 | MOTI | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.58% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $75M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.20% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 56 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | -0.27% | +12.93% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.96% | +20.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +8.69% | +22.00% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.51% | +13.33% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -36.7% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 13, 2015 | Jan 22, 1993 |
MOTI vs SPY Performance
VanEck Morningstar International Moat ETF (MOTI) 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 MOTI returned +1.96% while SPY returned +20.62%. Year to date, MOTI is down 0.27% versus a gain of 12.93% for SPY.
Over three years, MOTI compounded at +8.69% per year against +22.00% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +4.51% and +13.33% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.82% annualized vs +5.03%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MOTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.9% 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 -36.7% for MOTI 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 0.50. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MOTI charges 0.58% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $58 vs $9 annually, a gap of $49 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MOTI currently yields 3.20% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
MOTI and SPY share 0 holdings out of 550 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, MOTI or SPY?
MOTI has an expense ratio of 0.58% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $49 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MOTI or SPY?
Over the past year MOTI returned +1.96% vs +20.62% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), MOTI annualized +5.03% vs +8.82% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MOTI or SPY?
MOTI has been the more volatile fund at 21.9% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: MOTI -36.7% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both MOTI and SPY?
MOTI and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.50, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MOTI and SPY?
MOTI and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 550 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MOTI or SPY?
MOTI yields 3.20% while SPY yields 1.01%, so MOTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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