MSLC vs VTI
MSLC vs VTI
Morgan Stanley Pathway Large Cap Equity ETF 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 | MSLC | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.39% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $3.9B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.00% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 1,006 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +10.24% | +11.83% | |
| 1Y Return | +18.01% | +21.79% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +20.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +11.96% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -17.9% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Morgan Stanley | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 9, 2024 | May 24, 2001 |
MSLC vs VTI Performance
Morgan Stanley Pathway Large Cap Equity ETF (MSLC) is a ETF from Morgan Stanley and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MSLC returned +18.01% while VTI returned +21.79%. Year to date, MSLC is up 10.24% versus a gain of 11.83% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 12.4% for MSLC. 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 -17.9% for MSLC 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 0.99. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MSLC charges 0.39% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $39 vs $3 annually, a gap of $36 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MSLC currently yields 2.00% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
MSLC and VTI share 754 holdings out of 2951 unique holdings combined, representing a 71.8% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in MSLC | Weight in VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVDA | 7.11% | 6.32% | 0.79% |
| AAPL | 4.76% | 5.84% | 1.08% |
| MSFT | 4.87% | 3.81% | 1.06% |
| AMZN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AVGO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| META | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MU | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| TSLA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| JPM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings MSLC shares with VTI 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, MSLC or VTI?
MSLC has an expense ratio of 0.39% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $36 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MSLC or VTI?
Over the past year MSLC returned +18.01% vs +21.79% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), MSLC annualized +13.71% vs +8.06% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MSLC or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 12.4% for MSLC. Worst drawdown: MSLC -17.9% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both MSLC and VTI?
MSLC and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.99, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between MSLC and VTI?
MSLC and VTI share 754 common holdings with a 71.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2951 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MSLC or VTI?
MSLC yields 2.00% while VTI yields 1.07%, so MSLC currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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