MOAT vs. VUG

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

MOAT (VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF) and VUG (Vanguard Growth ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - MOAT is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the Morningstar Wide Moat Focus Index, while VUG is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, MOAT returned 13.47%/yr vs 17.90%/yr for VUG. A 0.78 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. MOAT charges 0.47%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VUG.

Performance

MOAT vs. VUG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF (MOAT) and Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MOAT achieves a -0.66% return, which is significantly lower than VUG's 4.99% return. Over the past 10 years, MOAT has underperformed VUG with an annualized return of 13.47%, while VUG has yielded a comparatively higher 17.90% annualized return.

MOAT

• 1D: 0.41%
• 1M: 3.44%
• YTD: -0.66%
• 6M: -1.22%
• 1Y: 12.57%
• 3Y*: 10.55%
• 5Y*: 7.78%
• 10Y*: 13.47%

VUG

• 1D: 0.18%
• 1M: -2.56%
• YTD: 4.99%
• 6M: 5.66%
• 1Y: 21.15%
• 3Y*: 23.38%
• 5Y*: 13.78%
• 10Y*: 17.90%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

MOAT vs. VUG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MOAT VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF	-0.66%	13.20%	10.73%	31.89%	-13.66%	24.12%	14.84%	34.79%	-1.28%	23.18%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	4.99%	19.40%	32.69%	46.83%	-33.16%	27.35%	40.25%	37.03%	-3.32%	27.72%

Correlation

The correlation between MOAT and VUG is 0.55, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.55
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.60
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.76
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.76
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 25, 2012	0.78

Over the past year, the correlation between MOAT and VUG has dropped to 0.55 - well below their long-term average of 0.78, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

MOAT vs. VUG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	MOAT	VUG
Technology	32.8%	53.5%
Consumer Defensive	17.5%	1.5%
Healthcare	16.0%	4.6%
Industrials	13.5%	3.6%
Consumer Cyclical	10.3%	12.2%
Financial Services	6.7%	4.3%
Communication Services	2.4%	17.3%
Real Estate	0.8%	1.0%
Basic Materials	-	0.6%
Energy	-	0.4%
Utilities	-	0.9%

Return for Risk

MOAT vs. VUG — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

MOAT

MOAT Risk / Return Rank: 26
MOAT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 28
MOAT Sortino Ratio Rank: 28
MOAT Omega Ratio Rank: 26
MOAT Calmar Ratio Rank: 24
MOAT Martin Ratio Rank: 26

VUG

VUG Risk / Return Rank: 36
VUG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
VUG Sortino Ratio Rank: 38
VUG Omega Ratio Rank: 40
VUG Calmar Ratio Rank: 30
VUG Martin Ratio Rank: 33

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

MOAT vs. VUG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF (MOAT) and Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	MOAT	VUG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.91	1.29	-0.38
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.39	1.78	-0.39
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.16	1.23	-0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.02	1.29	-0.27
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.11	4.43	-1.32

MOAT vs. VUG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MOAT Sharpe Ratio is 0.91, which is comparable to the VUG Sharpe Ratio of 1.29. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MOAT and VUG, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

MOAT vs. VUG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MOAT drawdown since its inception was -33.31%, smaller than the maximum VUG drawdown of -50.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MOAT and VUG.

Drawdown Indicators

	MOAT	VUG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-33.31%	-50.68%	+17.37%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.43%	-16.53%	+4.10%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-21.44%	-22.85%	+1.41%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-23.96%	-35.61%	+11.65%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-33.31%	-35.61%	+2.30%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.45%	-5.56%	+1.11%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.83%	-7.09%	+3.26%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.06%	4.79%	-0.73%

Volatility

MOAT vs. VUG - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF (MOAT) is 4.13%, while Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) has a volatility of 5.73%. This indicates that MOAT experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VUG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MOAT	VUG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.13%	5.73%	-1.60%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.90%	13.00%	-3.10%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.93%	16.46%	-2.53%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.20%	22.30%	-4.10%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.68%	21.48%	-2.80%

MOAT vs. VUG - Expense Ratio Comparison

MOAT has a 0.47% expense ratio, which is higher than VUG's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

MOAT vs. VUG - Dividend Comparison

MOAT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.36%, more than VUG's 0.39% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MOAT VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF	1.36%	1.36%	1.37%	0.86%	1.25%	1.08%	1.46%	1.31%	1.79%	1.07%	1.17%	2.13%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	0.39%	0.41%	0.47%	0.58%	0.70%	0.48%	0.66%	0.95%	1.32%	1.14%	1.39%	1.30%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MOAT and VUG in my portfolio?

MOAT and VUG have a correlation of 0.55, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MOAT or VUG?

VUG has higher volatility (5.73%) compared to MOAT (4.13%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MOAT dropped -33.31% vs VUG's -50.68%.

Which ETF is better, MOAT or VUG?

On 10-year performance, VUG leads with 17.90% vs 13.47% for MOAT. On fees, VUG is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, MOAT has been the lower-risk option at 4.13%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MOAT or VUG?

Over the 10-year period, VUG has performed better with a 17.90% return vs 13.47%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MOAT or VUG?

VUG is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.47% for MOAT.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, MOAT or VUG?

MOAT has the higher dividend yield at 1.36%, compared with 0.39% for VUG.

What is the main difference between MOAT and VUG?

MOAT is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while VUG is Large Cap Growth Equities. MOAT tracks Morningstar Wide Moat Focus Index, while VUG tracks CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index. They also come from different issuers: VanEck and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.47% for MOAT and 0.03% for VUG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VUG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.29 vs 0.91), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.