MOTI vs VTI
VanEck Morningstar International 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 | MOTI | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.58% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $75M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.20% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 56 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -0.27% | +13.38% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.96% | +21.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +8.69% | +21.85% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.51% | +12.44% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -36.7% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 13, 2015 | May 24, 2001 |
MOTI vs VTI Performance
VanEck Morningstar International Moat ETF (MOTI) is a ETF from VanEck and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MOTI returned +1.96% while VTI returned +21.12%. Year to date, MOTI is down 0.27% versus a gain of 13.38% for VTI.
Over three years, MOTI compounded at +8.69% per year against +21.85% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +4.51% and +12.44% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.10% 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 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 -36.7% for MOTI 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 0.49. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MOTI charges 0.58% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $58 vs $3 annually, a gap of $55 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MOTI currently yields 3.20% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
MOTI and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2833 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 VTI?
MOTI has an expense ratio of 0.58% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $55 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MOTI or VTI?
Over the past year MOTI returned +1.96% vs +21.12% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), MOTI annualized +5.03% vs +8.10% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MOTI or VTI?
MOTI has been the more volatile fund at 21.9% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: MOTI -36.7% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both MOTI and VTI?
MOTI and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.49, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MOTI and VTI?
MOTI and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2833 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MOTI or VTI?
MOTI yields 3.20% while VTI yields 1.07%, so MOTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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