MOTO vs VTI
Guinness Atkinson Smart Transportation & Technology ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. MOTO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MOTO | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.68% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $10M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.91% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 36 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +14.17% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +28.86% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.46% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.86% | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 24.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -38.2% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | SmartETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 15, 2019 | May 24, 2001 |
MOTO vs VTI Performance
Guinness Atkinson Smart Transportation & Technology ETF (MOTO) is a ETF from SmartETFs and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MOTO returned +28.86% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, MOTO is up 14.17% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, MOTO compounded at +16.46% per year against +21.83% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +7.86% and +12.01% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, MOTO has the edge at +15.60% annualized vs +8.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MOTO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 24.9% 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 -38.2% for MOTO 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 0.89. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MOTO charges 0.68% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $68 vs $3 annually, a gap of $65 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MOTO currently yields 0.91% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
MOTO and VTI share 13 holdings out of 2812 unique holdings combined, representing a 9.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, MOTO or VTI?
MOTO has an expense ratio of 0.68% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $65 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MOTO or VTI?
Over the past year MOTO returned +28.86% vs +22.35% for VTI, so MOTO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), MOTO annualized +15.60% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MOTO or VTI?
MOTO has been the more volatile fund at 24.9% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: MOTO -38.2% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both MOTO and VTI?
MOTO and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.89, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MOTO and VTI?
MOTO and VTI share 13 common holdings with a 9.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2812 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MOTO or VTI?
MOTO yields 0.91% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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