AQLT vs VTI
iShares MSCI Global Quality Factor ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. AQLT delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AQLT | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.20% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $331M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 521 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +12.79% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.19% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.0% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -16.8% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 11, 2024 | May 24, 2001 |
AQLT vs VTI Performance
iShares MSCI Global Quality Factor ETF (AQLT) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year AQLT returned +24.19% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, AQLT is up 12.79% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 13.0% for AQLT. 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 -16.8% for AQLT 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 0.94. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AQLT charges 0.20% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $20 vs $3 annually, a gap of $17 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AQLT currently yields 1.01% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
AQLT and VTI share 123 holdings out of 3128 unique holdings combined, representing a 40.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AQLT or VTI?
AQLT has an expense ratio of 0.20% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $17 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AQLT or VTI?
Over the past year AQLT returned +24.19% vs +22.35% for VTI, so AQLT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), AQLT annualized +16.53% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AQLT or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 13.0% for AQLT. Worst drawdown: AQLT -16.8% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both AQLT and VTI?
AQLT and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.94, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between AQLT and VTI?
AQLT and VTI share 123 common holdings with a 40.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3128 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AQLT or VTI?
AQLT yields 1.01% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.