MXI vs VTI
iShares Global Materials ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. MXI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MXI | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.37% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $355M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.70% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 114 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +16.85% | +13.67% | |
| 1Y Return | +30.54% | +22.17% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.58% | +21.93% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.33% | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.0% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -68.7% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 12, 2006 | May 24, 2001 |
MXI vs VTI Performance
iShares Global Materials ETF (MXI) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MXI returned +30.54% while VTI returned +22.17%. Year to date, MXI is up 16.85% versus a gain of 13.67% for VTI.
Over three years, MXI compounded at +15.58% per year against +21.93% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +8.33% and +12.51% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.11% annualized vs +5.22%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MXI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.0% 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 -68.7% for MXI 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 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MXI charges 0.37% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $37 vs $3 annually, a gap of $34 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MXI currently yields 1.70% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
MXI and VTI share 23 holdings out of 2857 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, MXI or VTI?
MXI has an expense ratio of 0.37% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $34 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MXI or VTI?
Over the past year MXI returned +30.54% vs +22.17% for VTI, so MXI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), MXI annualized +5.22% vs +8.11% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MXI or VTI?
MXI has been the more volatile fund at 22.0% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: MXI -68.7% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both MXI and VTI?
MXI and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MXI and VTI?
MXI and VTI share 23 common holdings with a 1.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2857 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MXI or VTI?
MXI yields 1.70% while VTI yields 1.07%, so MXI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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