MOTO vs VYM
Guinness Atkinson Smart Transportation & Technology ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. MOTO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MOTO | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.68% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $10M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.91% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 36 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +17.78% | +16.42% | |
| 1Y Return | +31.05% | +24.22% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.96% | +19.03% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.11% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 24.9% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -38.2% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | SmartETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 15, 2019 | Nov 10, 2006 |
MOTO vs VYM Performance
Guinness Atkinson Smart Transportation & Technology ETF (MOTO) is a ETF from SmartETFs and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MOTO returned +31.05% while VYM returned +24.22%. Year to date, MOTO is up 17.78% versus a gain of 16.42% for VYM.
Over three years, MOTO compounded at +16.96% per year against +19.03% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +8.11% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, MOTO has the edge at +16.18% annualized vs +7.10%. 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 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 -38.2% for MOTO 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 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MOTO charges 0.68% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $68 vs $4 annually, a gap of $64 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MOTO currently yields 0.91% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
MOTO and VYM share 8 holdings out of 633 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, MOTO or VYM?
MOTO has an expense ratio of 0.68% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $64 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MOTO or VYM?
Over the past year MOTO returned +31.05% vs +24.22% for VYM, so MOTO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), MOTO annualized +16.18% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MOTO or VYM?
MOTO has been the more volatile fund at 24.9% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: MOTO -38.2% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both MOTO and VYM?
MOTO and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MOTO and VYM?
MOTO and VYM share 8 common holdings with a 2.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 633 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MOTO or VYM?
MOTO yields 0.91% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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