QALT vs VOO

Quick Verdict

VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.

Lower Fees: VOOHigher Returns: VOOMore Diversified: VOO

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricQALTVOOWinner
Expense Ratio0.80%0.03%
AUM$192M$979.0B
Dividend Yield5.44%1.09%
Holdings17509
YTD Return+7.53%+14.48%
1Y Return+13.28%+22.02%
3Y Return (annualized)-+21.80%
5Y Return (annualized)-+13.36%
Volatility (annualized)7.2%14.2%
Max Drawdown-4.8%-34.3%
Fund FamilySEI EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDSVanguard (US)
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionAug 25, 2025Sep 7, 2010

QALT vs VOO Performance

SEI DBi Multi-Strategy Alternative ETF (QALT) is a ETF from SEI EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year QALT returned +13.28% while VOO returned +22.02%. Year to date, QALT is up 7.53% versus a gain of 14.48% for VOO.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.2% compared with 7.2% for QALT. 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 -4.8% for QALT and -34.3% for VOO. 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 0.45. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

QALT charges 0.80% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $80 vs $3 annually, a gap of $77 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QALT currently yields 5.44% against 1.09% for VOO.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, QALT or VOO?

QALT has an expense ratio of 0.80% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $77 per year of difference.

Which performed better, QALT or VOO?

Over the past year QALT returned +13.28% vs +22.02% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, QALT or VOO?

VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.2% annualized versus 7.2% for QALT. Worst drawdown: QALT -4.8% vs VOO -34.3%.

Should I hold both QALT and VOO?

QALT and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.45, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

Which pays a higher dividend, QALT or VOO?

QALT yields 5.44% while VOO yields 1.09%, so QALT currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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