MMT vs VXUS

Quick Verdict

VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7860 holdings.

Lower Fees: VXUSHigher Returns: VXUSMore Diversified: VXUS

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMMTVXUSWinner
Expense Ratio1.17%0.05%
AUM$266M$156.5B
Dividend Yield8.21%2.60%
Holdings9208,747
YTD Return-2.09%+11.13%
1Y Return+1.48%+27.13%
3Y Return (annualized)+7.20%+17.24%
5Y Return (annualized)+1.36%+8.71%
Volatility (annualized)10.8%15.1%
Max Drawdown-47.7%-39.9%
Fund FamilyMFS Investment ManagementVanguard (US)
CategoryFixed IncomeEquity
InceptionMar 12, 1987Jan 26, 2011

MMT vs VXUS Performance

MFS Multimarket Income Trust (MMT) is a ETF from MFS Investment Management and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MMT returned +1.48% while VXUS returned +27.13%. Year to date, MMT is down 2.09% versus a gain of 11.13% for VXUS.

Over three years, MMT compounded at +7.20% per year against +17.24% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +1.36% and +8.71% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.66% annualized vs +0.23%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 10.8% for MMT. 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 -47.7% for MMT and -39.9% for VXUS. 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 0.73. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

MMT charges 1.17% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $117 vs $5 annually, a gap of $112 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MMT currently yields 8.21% against 2.60% for VXUS.

Holdings Overlap

0.1%overlap

MMT and VXUS share 3 holdings out of 8404 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in MMTWeight in VXUSDifference
ARGENT 4.125 07/09/30.29%0.00%0.29%
MIN:AU0.26%0.02%0.24%
NST:AU0.16%0.07%0.09%

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, MMT or VXUS?

MMT has an expense ratio of 1.17% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $112 per year of difference.

Which performed better, MMT or VXUS?

Over the past year MMT returned +1.48% vs +27.13% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), MMT annualized +0.23% vs +4.66% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, MMT or VXUS?

VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 10.8% for MMT. Worst drawdown: MMT -47.7% vs VXUS -39.9%.

Should I hold both MMT and VXUS?

MMT and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.73, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between MMT and VXUS?

MMT and VXUS share 3 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8404 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, MMT or VXUS?

MMT yields 8.21% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so MMT currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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