QABA vs VTI
First Trust NASDAQ ABA Community Bank Index Fund vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. QABA delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QABA | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $92M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.34% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 147 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +24.92% | +14.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +28.83% | +22.19% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.32% | +21.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.20% | +12.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -51.0% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 29, 2009 | May 24, 2001 |
QABA vs VTI Performance
First Trust NASDAQ ABA Community Bank Index Fund (QABA) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year QABA returned +28.83% while VTI returned +22.19%. Year to date, QABA is up 24.92% versus a gain of 14.22% for VTI.
Over three years, QABA compounded at +19.32% per year against +21.27% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +7.20% and +12.23% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, QABA has the edge at +8.40% annualized vs +8.14%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QABA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.5% 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 -51.0% for QABA 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 0.66. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QABA charges 0.60% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $3 annually, a gap of $57 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QABA currently yields 2.34% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
QABA and VTI share 126 holdings out of 2817 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QABA or VTI?
QABA has an expense ratio of 0.60% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $57 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QABA or VTI?
Over the past year QABA returned +28.83% vs +22.19% for VTI, so QABA leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), QABA annualized +8.40% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QABA or VTI?
QABA has been the more volatile fund at 22.5% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: QABA -51.0% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both QABA and VTI?
QABA and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.66, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QABA and VTI?
QABA and VTI share 126 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2817 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QABA or VTI?
QABA yields 2.34% while VTI yields 1.07%, so QABA 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.