MOAT: The 2026 Sector Story Doesn't Jibe (Rating Downgrade)

VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF is downgraded from buy to hold due to lagging performance and less compelling valuation. MOAT underperformed the S&P 500 YTD, hindered by underweights in Energy and Materials and a value/mid-cap tilt. The ETF's technicals are weak, with shares below the 50-day moving average and RSI near multi-month lows, raising near-term downside risk.

Seeking Alpha • Feb 4, 2026

Is VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF (MOAT) a Strong ETF Right Now?

A smart beta exchange traded fund, the VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF (MOAT) debuted on 04/24/2012, and offers broad exposure to the Style Box - Large Cap Blend category of the market.

Zacks Investment Research • Jan 27, 2026

Should VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF (MOAT) Be on Your Investing Radar?

The VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF (MOAT) was launched on April 24, 2012, and is a passively managed exchange traded fund designed to offer broad exposure to the Large Cap Blend segment of the US equity market.

Zacks Investment Research • Jan 15, 2026

These 3 Underrated ETFs Could Boom in 2026

With net inflows of about $1.5 trillion for the year, 2025 was in some ways the biggest year ever for exchange-traded funds (ETFs). And with a massive and ever-growing field of funds available, the ETF space shows no signs of slowing or losing its appeal to investors in 2026.

MarketBeat • Jan 10, 2026

VanEck Announces Year-End Distributions for VanEck Equity ETFs

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--VanEck announced today the 2025 annual distributions per share for its VanEck equity exchange-traded funds.

Business Wire • Dec 20, 2025

MOAT: Morningstar's Wide Moat Picks Are Rebounding Nicely, Hold For Now

MOAT currently offers exposure to 53 wide-moat stocks trading at attractive discounts relative to their estimated fair market value, as determined by a team of 100+ Morningstar analysts. MOAT's long-term results are excellent, and although the ETF has struggled over the last five years, its short-term returns are picking up, with further upside more likely than not. Still, my fundamental analysis reveals some weaknesses, including a growth and value mix that lags other equal-weight funds along with surprisingly questionable quality.

Seeking Alpha • Nov 19, 2025

MOAT: A Great Idea, But A Flawed Execution

VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF employs a value strategy, targeting companies with strong competitive advantages trading at discounts. MOAT's high portfolio turnover and sector concentration undermine its long-term value approach, resulting in higher costs and inconsistent performance versus IWB. Despite lower valuation metrics, MOAT exhibits higher volatility and inferior risk-adjusted returns compared to the broader market, with an expensive 0.47% expense ratio.

Seeking Alpha • Nov 19, 2025

Moat Index Keeps Tech in Check, Value in Focus

By Brandon Rakszawski, VanEck Director of Product Management The September Moat Index review trimmed tech exposure, added new names and maintained a strong value tilt, highlighting its contrarian position in today's market. Key Takeaways Moat Index holds largest tech underweight vs.

ETF Trends • Oct 4, 2025

Best ETFs Help Investors Cut Exposure To Magnificent Seven

For investors seeking stability with a dose of growth, Cabot Wealth Management highlights three of the best ETFs for today's market.

Investors Business Daily • Aug 8, 2025

MOAT Delivers Quiet Alpha In Broad Based Markets

VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF offers a unique blend of wide-moat stock selection and value screening, resulting in a balanced, diversified portfolio with risk discipline. Performance closely tracks the S&P 500, but MOAT shines in broad-based rallies and offers some downside mitigation during market drawdowns. MOAT is best used as a tactical complement to S&P 500 ETFs, especially when expecting broader market participation rather than concentrated large-cap rallies.

Seeking Alpha • Jul 2, 2025