MINT vs VTI
MINT vs VTI
PIMCO Enhanced Short Maturity Active Exchange-Traded Fund 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 | MINT | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.36% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $16.9B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.35% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 1,023 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +2.22% | +14.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.17% | +24.16% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.12% | +21.12% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.56% | +12.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 1.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -4.8% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | PIMCO (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 16, 2009 | May 24, 2001 |
MINT vs VTI Performance
PIMCO Enhanced Short Maturity Active Exchange-Traded Fund (MINT) is a ETF from PIMCO (US) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MINT returned +4.17% while VTI returned +24.16%. Year to date, MINT is up 2.22% versus a gain of 14.20% for VTI.
Over three years, MINT compounded at +5.12% per year against +21.12% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +3.56% and +12.37% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.14% annualized vs +1.18%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 1.2% for MINT. 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 -4.8% for MINT 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 0.41. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MINT charges 0.36% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $36 vs $3 annually, a gap of $33 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MINT currently yields 4.35% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
MINT and VTI share 0 holdings out of 3549 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, MINT or VTI?
MINT has an expense ratio of 0.36% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $33 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MINT or VTI?
Over the past year MINT returned +4.17% vs +24.16% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), MINT annualized +1.18% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MINT or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 1.2% for MINT. Worst drawdown: MINT -4.8% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both MINT and VTI?
MINT and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.41, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MINT and VTI?
MINT and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3549 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MINT or VTI?
MINT yields 4.35% while VTI yields 1.07%, so MINT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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