MOTI vs VYM
VanEck Morningstar International 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 | MOTI | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.58% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $75M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.20% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 56 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +0.56% | +16.42% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.24% | +24.22% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +8.39% | +19.03% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.45% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.9% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -36.7% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 13, 2015 | Nov 10, 2006 |
MOTI vs VYM Performance
VanEck Morningstar International Moat ETF (MOTI) is a ETF from VanEck and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MOTI returned +3.24% while VYM returned +24.22%. Year to date, MOTI is up 0.56% versus a gain of 16.42% for VYM.
Over three years, MOTI compounded at +8.39% per year against +19.03% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +4.45% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.10% annualized vs +5.11%. 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 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 -36.7% for MOTI 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 0.53. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MOTI charges 0.58% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $58 vs $4 annually, a gap of $54 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MOTI currently yields 3.20% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
MOTI and VYM share 0 holdings out of 649 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 VYM?
MOTI has an expense ratio of 0.58% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $54 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MOTI or VYM?
Over the past year MOTI returned +3.24% vs +24.22% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), MOTI annualized +5.11% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MOTI or VYM?
MOTI has been the more volatile fund at 21.9% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: MOTI -36.7% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both MOTI and VYM?
MOTI and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.53, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MOTI and VYM?
MOTI and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 649 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MOTI or VYM?
MOTI yields 3.20% while VYM yields 2.24%, so MOTI 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.