QEFA vs VOO
State Street SPDR MSCI EAFE StrategicFactors ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. QEFA offers more diversification with 680 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QEFA | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.30% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.1B | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.75% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 680 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +12.68% | +13.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.03% | +21.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.77% | +22.16% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.83% | +13.42% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.3% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -32.7% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 4, 2014 | Sep 7, 2010 |
QEFA vs VOO Performance
State Street SPDR MSCI EAFE StrategicFactors ETF (QEFA) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year QEFA returned +20.03% while VOO returned +21.62%. Year to date, QEFA is up 12.68% versus a gain of 13.20% for VOO.
Over three years, QEFA compounded at +17.77% per year against +22.16% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +8.83% and +13.42% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.51% annualized vs +5.75%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.1% compared with 13.3% for QEFA. 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 -32.7% for QEFA 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 0.79. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QEFA charges 0.30% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $30 vs $3 annually, a gap of $27 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QEFA currently yields 2.75% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
QEFA and VOO share 1 holdings out of 1138 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in QEFA | Weight in VOO | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| HBAN | 0.26% | 0.06% | 0.20% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QEFA or VOO?
QEFA has an expense ratio of 0.30% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $27 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QEFA or VOO?
Over the past year QEFA returned +20.03% vs +21.62% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), QEFA annualized +5.75% vs +13.51% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QEFA or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 13.3% for QEFA. Worst drawdown: QEFA -32.7% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both QEFA and VOO?
QEFA and VOO 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 QEFA and VOO?
QEFA and VOO share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1138 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QEFA or VOO?
QEFA yields 2.75% while VOO yields 1.08%, so QEFA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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