MTUM vs VTI
iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. MTUM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MTUM | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $25.1B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.54% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 130 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +25.16% | +14.96% | |
| 1Y Return | +29.10% | +22.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +30.47% | +21.51% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.03% | +12.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.7% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.1% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 16, 2013 | May 24, 2001 |
MTUM vs VTI Performance
iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF (MTUM) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MTUM returned +29.10% while VTI returned +22.39%. Year to date, MTUM is up 25.16% versus a gain of 14.96% for VTI.
Over three years, MTUM compounded at +30.47% per year against +21.51% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +13.03% and +12.36% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, MTUM has the edge at +15.18% annualized vs +8.16%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MTUM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.7% compared with 15.4% 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 -34.1% for MTUM 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 0.86. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MTUM charges 0.15% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $15 vs $3 annually, a gap of $12 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MTUM currently yields 0.54% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
MTUM and VTI share 116 holdings out of 2794 unique holdings combined, representing a 26.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, MTUM or VTI?
MTUM has an expense ratio of 0.15% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $12 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MTUM or VTI?
Over the past year MTUM returned +29.10% vs +22.39% for VTI, so MTUM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), MTUM annualized +15.18% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MTUM or VTI?
MTUM has been the more volatile fund at 16.7% annualized versus 15.4% for VTI. Worst drawdown: MTUM -34.1% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both MTUM and VTI?
MTUM and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.86, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MTUM and VTI?
MTUM and VTI share 116 common holdings with a 26.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2794 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MTUM or VTI?
MTUM yields 0.54% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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