QEFA vs VTI
State Street SPDR MSCI EAFE StrategicFactors ETF 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 | QEFA | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.30% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.1B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.75% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 680 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +12.68% | +13.67% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.03% | +22.17% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.77% | +21.93% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.83% | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -32.7% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 4, 2014 | May 24, 2001 |
QEFA vs VTI Performance
State Street SPDR MSCI EAFE StrategicFactors ETF (QEFA) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year QEFA returned +20.03% while VTI returned +22.17%. Year to date, QEFA is up 12.68% versus a gain of 13.67% for VTI.
Over three years, QEFA compounded at +17.77% per year against +21.93% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +8.83% and +12.51% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.11% annualized vs +5.75%. 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 13.3% 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 -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 0.79. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QEFA charges 0.30% per year while VTI 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 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
QEFA and VTI share 3 holdings out of 3418 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QEFA or VTI?
QEFA has an expense ratio of 0.30% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $27 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QEFA or VTI?
Over the past year QEFA returned +20.03% vs +22.17% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), QEFA annualized +5.75% vs +8.11% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QEFA or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 13.3% for QEFA. Worst drawdown: QEFA -32.7% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both QEFA and VTI?
QEFA and VTI 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 VTI?
QEFA and VTI share 3 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3418 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QEFA or VTI?
QEFA yields 2.75% while VTI yields 1.07%, so QEFA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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