MSTI vs VOO
MSTI vs VOO
Madison Short-Term Strategic Income ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MSTI | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.36% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $49M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.33% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 99 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +0.60% | +9.95% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.20% | +19.58% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.78% | +19.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.89% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.5% | 14.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -1.5% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Madison Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 5, 2023 | Sep 7, 2010 |
MSTI vs VOO Performance
Madison Short-Term Strategic Income ETF (MSTI) is a ETF from Madison Funds and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MSTI returned +3.20% while VOO returned +19.58%. Year to date, MSTI is up 0.60% versus a gain of 9.95% for VOO.
Over three years, MSTI compounded at +5.78% per year against +19.43% for VOO. Across the full 3-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.35% annualized vs +5.78%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.2% compared with 2.5% for MSTI. 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 -1.5% for MSTI and -34.3% for VOO. 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 0.47. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MSTI charges 0.36% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $36 vs $3 annually, a gap of $33 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MSTI currently yields 5.33% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
MSTI and VOO share 0 holdings out of 561 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, MSTI or VOO?
MSTI has an expense ratio of 0.36% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $33 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MSTI or VOO?
Over the past year MSTI returned +3.20% vs +19.58% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), MSTI annualized +5.78% vs +13.35% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MSTI or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.2% annualized versus 2.5% for MSTI. Worst drawdown: MSTI -1.5% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both MSTI and VOO?
MSTI and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.47, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MSTI and VOO?
MSTI and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 561 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MSTI or VOO?
MSTI yields 5.33% while VOO yields 1.09%, so MSTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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