MST vs VTI
Defiance Leveraged Long + Income MSTR ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MST | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.31% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $14M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.43% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 13 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -73.81% | +14.22% | |
| 1Y Return | -95.96% | +22.19% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 106.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -97.7% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Defiance ETFs, LLC | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | May 1, 2025 | May 24, 2001 |
MST vs VTI Performance
Defiance Leveraged Long + Income MSTR ETF (MST) is a ETF from Defiance ETFs, LLC and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MST returned -95.96% while VTI returned +22.19%. Year to date, MST is down 73.81% versus a gain of 14.22% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MST has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 106.9% 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 -97.7% for MST 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 0.59. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MST charges 1.31% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $131 vs $3 annually, a gap of $128 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MST currently yields 3.43% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
MST and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2786 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, MST or VTI?
MST has an expense ratio of 1.31% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $128 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MST or VTI?
Over the past year MST returned -95.96% vs +22.19% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), MST annualized -92.36% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MST or VTI?
MST has been the more volatile fund at 106.9% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: MST -97.7% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both MST and VTI?
MST and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.59, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MST and VTI?
MST and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2786 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MST or VTI?
MST yields 3.43% while VTI yields 1.07%, so MST currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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