AQWA vs VTI
Global X Clean Water ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AQWA | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $23M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.56% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 40 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +2.22% | +13.12% | |
| 1Y Return | -1.72% | +20.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +9.96% | +21.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.09% | +11.84% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -29.4% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Global X by mirae Asset | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 8, 2021 | May 24, 2001 |
AQWA vs VTI Performance
Global X Clean Water ETF (AQWA) is a ETF from Global X by mirae Asset and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year AQWA returned -1.72% while VTI returned +20.82%. Year to date, AQWA is up 2.22% versus a gain of 13.12% for VTI.
Over three years, AQWA compounded at +9.96% per year against +21.43% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +4.09% and +11.84% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.08% annualized vs +5.97%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AQWA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.3% 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 -29.4% for AQWA 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 0.79. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AQWA charges 0.50% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $3 annually, a gap of $47 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AQWA currently yields 1.56% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
AQWA and VTI share 17 holdings out of 2806 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AQWA or VTI?
AQWA has an expense ratio of 0.50% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $47 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AQWA or VTI?
Over the past year AQWA returned -1.72% vs +20.82% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), AQWA annualized +5.97% vs +8.08% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AQWA or VTI?
AQWA has been the more volatile fund at 17.3% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: AQWA -29.4% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both AQWA and VTI?
AQWA and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.79, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AQWA and VTI?
AQWA and VTI share 17 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2806 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AQWA or VTI?
AQWA yields 1.56% while VTI yields 1.07%, so AQWA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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