MCR vs VTI
MCR vs VTI
MFS Charter Income Trust 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 | MCR | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.02% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $270M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 8.17% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 1,076 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -0.55% | +10.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.59% | +19.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +7.80% | +18.94% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.97% | +11.79% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.2% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -45.2% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | MFS Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 20, 1989 | May 24, 2001 |
MCR vs VTI Performance
MFS Charter Income Trust (MCR) is a ETF from MFS Investment Management and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MCR returned +3.59% while VTI returned +19.82%. Year to date, MCR is down 0.55% versus a gain of 10.14% for VTI.
Over three years, MCR compounded at +7.80% per year against +18.94% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +0.97% and +11.79% respectively. Across the full 25-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +7.99% annualized vs +0.16%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.4% compared with 10.2% for MCR. 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 -45.2% for MCR 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 0.56. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MCR charges 1.02% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $102 vs $3 annually, a gap of $99 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MCR currently yields 8.17% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
MCR and VTI share 0 holdings out of 3332 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, MCR or VTI?
MCR has an expense ratio of 1.02% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $99 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MCR or VTI?
Over the past year MCR returned +3.59% vs +19.82% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (25 years), MCR annualized +0.16% vs +7.99% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MCR or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.4% annualized versus 10.2% for MCR. Worst drawdown: MCR -45.2% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both MCR and VTI?
MCR and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.56, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MCR and VTI?
MCR and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3332 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MCR or VTI?
MCR yields 8.17% while VTI yields 1.07%, so MCR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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