MOAT vs VTI

Quick Verdict

VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.

Lower Fees: VTIHigher Returns: VTIMore Diversified: VTI

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMOATVTIWinner
Expense Ratio0.46%0.03%
AUM$11.7B$663.5B
Dividend Yield1.35%1.07%
Holdings593,543
YTD Return+6.87%+13.39%
1Y Return+15.34%+23.21%
3Y Return (annualized)+11.53%+20.65%
5Y Return (annualized)+8.79%+12.18%
Volatility (annualized)154573.1%15.3%
Max Drawdown-96.0%-56.6%
Fund FamilyVanEckVanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionApr 24, 2012May 24, 2001

MOAT vs VTI Performance

VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF (MOAT) is a ETF from VanEck and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MOAT returned +15.34% while VTI returned +23.21%. Year to date, MOAT is up 6.87% versus a gain of 13.39% for VTI.

Over three years, MOAT compounded at +11.53% per year against +20.65% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +8.79% and +12.18% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, MOAT has the edge at +52.32% annualized vs +8.11%. 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 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 -96.0% for MOAT 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 -0.02. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

MOAT charges 0.46% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $46 vs $3 annually, a gap of $43 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MOAT currently yields 1.35% against 1.07% for VTI.

Holdings Overlap

14.3%overlap

MOAT and VTI share 49 holdings out of 2789 unique holdings combined, representing a 14.3% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in MOATWeight in VTIDifference
NVDA2.56%6.32%3.76%
MSFT2.25%3.81%1.56%
AVGO2.52%2.46%0.06%
AMZNProProPro
METAProProPro
SCHWProProPro
MASProProPro
PANWProProPro
BMYProProPro
LPLAProProPro
See all 10 holdings MOAT shares with VTI
Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, MOAT or VTI?

MOAT has an expense ratio of 0.46% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $43 per year of difference.

Which performed better, MOAT or VTI?

Over the past year MOAT returned +15.34% vs +23.21% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), MOAT annualized +52.32% vs +8.11% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, MOAT or VTI?

MOAT has been the more volatile fund at 154573.1% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: MOAT -96.0% vs VTI -56.6%.

Should I hold both MOAT and VTI?

MOAT and VTI 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 VTI?

MOAT and VTI share 49 common holdings with a 14.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2789 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, MOAT or VTI?

MOAT yields 1.35% while VTI yields 1.07%, so MOAT currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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