EQL vs VTI
ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EQL | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.27% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $758M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.76% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 12 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +12.31% | +13.87% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.66% | +23.31% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.96% | +21.17% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.75% | +12.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -36.4% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | ALPS Advisors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 6, 2009 | May 24, 2001 |
EQL vs VTI Performance
ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF (EQL) is a ETF from ALPS Advisors and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year EQL returned +19.66% while VTI returned +23.31%. Year to date, EQL is up 12.31% versus a gain of 13.87% for VTI.
Over three years, EQL compounded at +15.96% per year against +21.17% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +10.75% and +12.23% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, EQL has the edge at +12.10% annualized vs +8.13%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 13.6% for EQL. 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 -36.4% for EQL 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 0.97. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EQL charges 0.27% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $27 vs $3 annually, a gap of $24 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EQL currently yields 1.76% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
EQL and VTI share 465 holdings out of 2813 unique holdings combined, representing a 59.0% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EQL or VTI?
EQL has an expense ratio of 0.27% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $24 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EQL or VTI?
Over the past year EQL returned +19.66% vs +23.31% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), EQL annualized +12.10% vs +8.13% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EQL or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 13.6% for EQL. Worst drawdown: EQL -36.4% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both EQL and VTI?
EQL and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.97, 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 EQL and VTI?
EQL and VTI share 465 common holdings with a 59.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2813 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EQL or VTI?
EQL yields 1.76% while VTI yields 1.07%, so EQL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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