MFUS vs VTI
MFUS vs VTI
PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor US Equity ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. MFUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MFUS | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.29% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $296M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.37% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 858 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +17.90% | +13.92% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.88% | +24.07% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.56% | +20.88% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.49% | +12.47% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -35.2% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | PIMCO (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 31, 2017 | May 24, 2001 |
MFUS vs VTI Performance
PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor US Equity ETF (MFUS) is a ETF from PIMCO (US) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MFUS returned +26.88% while VTI returned +24.07%. Year to date, MFUS is up 17.90% versus a gain of 13.92% for VTI.
Over three years, MFUS compounded at +20.56% per year against +20.88% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +13.49% and +12.47% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, MFUS has the edge at +12.81% annualized vs +8.13%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MFUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.6% 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 -35.2% for MFUS 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 0.94. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MFUS charges 0.29% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $29 vs $3 annually, a gap of $26 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MFUS currently yields 1.37% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
MFUS and VTI share 702 holdings out of 2925 unique holdings combined, representing a 44.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in MFUS | Weight in VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| AAPL | 1.27% | 5.84% | 4.57% |
| NVDA | 0.73% | 6.32% | 5.59% |
| AVGO | 2.09% | 2.46% | 0.37% |
| INTC | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOGL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| WMT | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| JNJ | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| XOM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| LLY | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MU | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings MFUS shares with VTI Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, MFUS or VTI?
MFUS has an expense ratio of 0.29% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $26 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MFUS or VTI?
Over the past year MFUS returned +26.88% vs +24.07% for VTI, so MFUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), MFUS annualized +12.81% vs +8.13% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MFUS or VTI?
MFUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.6% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: MFUS -35.2% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both MFUS and VTI?
MFUS and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.94, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between MFUS and VTI?
MFUS and VTI share 702 common holdings with a 44.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2925 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MFUS or VTI?
MFUS yields 1.37% while VTI yields 1.07%, so MFUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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