MOAT vs VYM
MOAT vs VYM
VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MOAT | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.46% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $11.7B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.35% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 59 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +7.42% | +15.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +14.66% | +25.99% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.75% | +18.02% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.11% | +12.71% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 154573.1% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -96.0% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 24, 2012 | Nov 10, 2006 |
MOAT vs VYM Performance
VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF (MOAT) is a ETF from VanEck and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MOAT returned +14.66% while VYM returned +25.99%. Year to date, MOAT is up 7.42% versus a gain of 15.57% for VYM.
Over three years, MOAT compounded at +11.75% per year against +18.02% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +9.11% and +12.71% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, MOAT has the edge at +52.38% annualized vs +7.07%. 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 14.6% for VYM. 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 -58.8% for VYM. 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 -0.01. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MOAT charges 0.46% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $46 vs $4 annually, a gap of $42 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MOAT currently yields 1.35% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
MOAT and VYM share 20 holdings out of 593 unique holdings combined, representing a 7.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in MOAT | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| AVGO | 2.52% | 6.47% | 3.95% |
| BMY | 2.60% | 0.56% | 2.04% |
| MAS | 2.81% | 0.07% | 2.74% |
| MDLZ | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| KVUE | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BFA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| OTIS | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| NKE | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| EL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CLX | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings MOAT shares with VYM 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 VYM?
MOAT has an expense ratio of 0.46% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $42 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MOAT or VYM?
Over the past year MOAT returned +14.66% vs +25.99% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), MOAT annualized +52.38% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MOAT or VYM?
MOAT has been the more volatile fund at 154573.1% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: MOAT -96.0% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both MOAT and VYM?
MOAT and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of -0.01, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MOAT and VYM?
MOAT and VYM share 20 common holdings with a 7.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 593 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MOAT or VYM?
MOAT yields 1.35% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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