MOAT vs SPY
MOAT vs SPY
VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MOAT | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.46% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $11.7B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.35% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 59 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +7.42% | +13.50% | |
| 1Y Return | +14.66% | +23.56% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.75% | +21.17% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.11% | +13.46% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 154573.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -96.0% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 24, 2012 | Jan 22, 1993 |
MOAT vs SPY Performance
VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF (MOAT) is a ETF from VanEck and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year MOAT returned +14.66% while SPY returned +23.56%. Year to date, MOAT is up 7.42% versus a gain of 13.50% for SPY.
Over three years, MOAT compounded at +11.75% per year against +21.17% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +9.11% and +13.46% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, MOAT has the edge at +52.38% annualized vs +8.85%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MOAT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 154573.1% compared with 15.3% for SPY. 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 -96.0% for MOAT and -56.5% for SPY. 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 -0.02. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MOAT charges 0.46% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $46 vs $9 annually, a gap of $37 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MOAT currently yields 1.35% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
MOAT and SPY share 48 holdings out of 510 unique holdings combined, representing a 14.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in MOAT | Weight in SPY | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVDA | 2.56% | 7.31% | 4.75% |
| MSFT | 2.25% | 4.43% | 2.18% |
| AVGO | 2.52% | 2.73% | 0.21% |
| AMZN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| META | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| SCHW | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| PANW | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MAS | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BMY | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| DHR | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings MOAT shares with SPY 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, MOAT or SPY?
MOAT has an expense ratio of 0.46% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $37 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MOAT or SPY?
Over the past year MOAT returned +14.66% vs +23.56% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), MOAT annualized +52.38% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MOAT or SPY?
MOAT has been the more volatile fund at 154573.1% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: MOAT -96.0% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both MOAT and SPY?
MOAT and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of -0.02, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MOAT and SPY?
MOAT and SPY share 48 common holdings with a 14.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 510 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MOAT or SPY?
MOAT yields 1.35% while SPY yields 1.01%, so MOAT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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