QCJL vs VTI
FT Vest Nasdaq-100 Conservative Buffer ETF - July 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 | QCJL | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.90% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $97M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +7.98% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +12.58% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -11.2% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 19, 2024 | May 24, 2001 |
QCJL vs VTI Performance
FT Vest Nasdaq-100 Conservative Buffer ETF - July (QCJL) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year QCJL returned +12.58% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, QCJL is up 7.98% 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 6.4% for QCJL. 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 -11.2% for QCJL 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 0.92. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QCJL charges 0.90% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $90 vs $3 annually, a gap of $87 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QCJL currently yields 0.00% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
QCJL and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2788 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, QCJL or VTI?
QCJL has an expense ratio of 0.90% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $87 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QCJL or VTI?
Over the past year QCJL returned +12.58% vs +22.35% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), QCJL annualized +12.17% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QCJL or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 6.4% for QCJL. Worst drawdown: QCJL -11.2% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both QCJL and VTI?
QCJL and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.92, 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 QCJL and VTI?
QCJL and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2788 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QCJL or VTI?
QCJL yields 0.00% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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