SMOT vs VTI
SMOT vs VTI
VanEck Morningstar SMID Moat 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 | SMOT | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.49% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $328M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.28% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 116 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +11.91% | +13.92% | |
| 1Y Return | +15.00% | +24.07% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.94% | +20.88% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.47% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -23.4% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 4, 2022 | May 24, 2001 |
SMOT vs VTI Performance
VanEck Morningstar SMID Moat ETF (SMOT) is a ETF from VanEck and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SMOT returned +15.00% while VTI returned +24.07%. Year to date, SMOT is up 11.91% versus a gain of 13.92% for VTI.
Over three years, SMOT compounded at +10.94% per year against +20.88% for VTI. Across the full 4-year window we track, SMOT has the edge at +13.43% annualized vs +8.13%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SMOT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.1% 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 -23.4% for SMOT 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 0.86. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SMOT charges 0.49% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $49 vs $3 annually, a gap of $46 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SMOT currently yields 1.28% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
SMOT and VTI share 92 holdings out of 2801 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in SMOT | Weight in VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| CTVA | 1.49% | 0.08% | 1.41% |
| MAS | 1.50% | 0.02% | 1.48% |
| AYI | 1.49% | 0.02% | 1.47% |
| IQV | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| XYZ | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CI | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| LW | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BIIB | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ABNB | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MDLZ | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings SMOT 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, SMOT or VTI?
SMOT has an expense ratio of 0.49% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $46 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SMOT or VTI?
Over the past year SMOT returned +15.00% vs +24.07% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), SMOT annualized +13.43% vs +8.13% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SMOT or VTI?
SMOT has been the more volatile fund at 17.1% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: SMOT -23.4% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both SMOT and VTI?
SMOT and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.86, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SMOT and VTI?
SMOT and VTI share 92 common holdings with a 3.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2801 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SMOT or VTI?
SMOT yields 1.28% while VTI yields 1.07%, so SMOT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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