MOTI vs. VFINX

Last updated Jun 12, 2026

MOTI (VanEck Vectors Morningstar International Moat ETF) and VFINX (Vanguard 500 Index Fund Investor Shares) are both funds - MOTI is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the Morningstar Global ex-US Moat Focus Index, while VFINX is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the S&P 500 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, MOTI returned 6.42%/yr vs 15.00%/yr for VFINX. A 0.64 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. MOTI charges 0.57%/yr vs 0.14%/yr for VFINX.

Performance

MOTI vs. VFINX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in VanEck Vectors Morningstar International Moat ETF (MOTI) and Vanguard 500 Index Fund Investor Shares (VFINX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MOTI achieves a -7.14% return, which is significantly lower than VFINX's 6.66% return. Over the past 10 years, MOTI has underperformed VFINX with an annualized return of 6.42%, while VFINX has yielded a comparatively higher 15.00% annualized return.

MOTI

• 1D: 0.50%
• 1M: -2.01%
• YTD: -7.14%
• 6M: -7.41%
• 1Y: 1.82%
• 3Y*: 6.02%
• 5Y*: 1.68%
• 10Y*: 6.42%

VFINX

• 1D: -1.62%
• 1M: -1.70%
• YTD: 6.66%
• 6M: 5.86%
• 1Y: 21.97%
• 3Y*: 20.58%
• 5Y*: 12.79%
• 10Y*: 15.00%

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

MOTI vs. VFINX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MOTI VanEck Vectors Morningstar International Moat ETF	-7.14%	25.01%	1.94%	10.18%	-6.93%	0.03%	7.24%	17.63%	-13.92%	34.27%
VFINX Vanguard 500 Index Fund Investor Shares	6.66%	17.71%	24.84%	26.12%	-18.24%	28.53%	18.20%	31.33%	-4.55%	21.66%

Correlation

The correlation between MOTI and VFINX is 0.60, 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	0.60
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.56
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.63
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.66
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 14, 2015	0.64

The correlation between MOTI and VFINX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.56 to 0.66 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

MOTI vs. VFINX — Risk / Return Rank

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

MOTI

MOTI Risk / Return Rank: 11
MOTI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 12
MOTI Sortino Ratio Rank: 11
MOTI Omega Ratio Rank: 11
MOTI Calmar Ratio Rank: 11
MOTI Martin Ratio Rank: 11

VFINX

VFINX Risk / Return Rank: 53
VFINX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 50
VFINX Sortino Ratio Rank: 46
VFINX Omega Ratio Rank: 49
VFINX Calmar Ratio Rank: 53
VFINX Martin Ratio Rank: 68

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.

MOTI vs. VFINX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for VanEck Vectors Morningstar International Moat ETF (MOTI) and Vanguard 500 Index Fund Investor Shares (VFINX). 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.

	MOTI	VFINX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.13	1.77	-1.65
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.28	2.42	-2.14
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.03	1.32	-0.29
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.12	2.44	-2.32
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.30	11.11	-10.81

MOTI vs. VFINX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MOTI Sharpe Ratio is 0.13, which is lower than the VFINX Sharpe Ratio of 1.77. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MOTI and VFINX, 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

MOTI vs. VFINX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MOTI drawdown since its inception was -36.70%, smaller than the maximum VFINX drawdown of -55.25%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MOTI and VFINX.

Drawdown Indicators

	MOTI	VFINX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-36.70%	-55.25%	+18.55%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-15.45%	-8.92%	-6.53%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.35%	-18.76%	+2.41%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-31.03%	-24.59%	-6.44%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.70%	-33.83%	-2.87%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-12.58%	-4.46%	-8.12%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.14%	-8.28%	-0.86%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.04%	1.95%	+4.09%

Volatility

MOTI vs. VFINX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for VanEck Vectors Morningstar International Moat ETF (MOTI) is 3.50%, while Vanguard 500 Index Fund Investor Shares (VFINX) has a volatility of 4.04%. This indicates that MOTI experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VFINX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MOTI	VFINX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.50%	4.04%	-0.54%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.14%	9.56%	+1.58%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.41%	12.26%	+2.15%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.55%	16.96%	+0.59%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.05%	18.09%	-0.04%

MOTI vs. VFINX - Expense Ratio Comparison

MOTI has a 0.57% expense ratio, which is higher than VFINX's 0.14% expense ratio.

Dividends

MOTI vs. VFINX - Dividend Comparison

MOTI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.47%, more than VFINX's 0.97% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MOTI VanEck Vectors Morningstar International Moat ETF	3.47%	3.22%	4.79%	2.34%	3.27%	4.67%	2.14%	3.90%	3.73%	8.87%	1.33%	0.84%
VFINX Vanguard 500 Index Fund Investor Shares	0.97%	1.02%	1.14%	1.36%	1.57%	1.15%	1.45%	1.77%	1.94%	1.69%	1.92%	1.99%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MOTI and VFINX in my portfolio?

MOTI and VFINX have a correlation of 0.60, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MOTI or VFINX?

VFINX has higher volatility (4.04%) compared to MOTI (3.50%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MOTI dropped -36.70% vs VFINX's -55.25%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VFINX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.77 vs 0.13), 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.