QLTA vs VOO
iShares Aaa A Rated Corporate Bond ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. QLTA offers more diversification with 1236 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QLTA | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.2B | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.46% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 3,482 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | -1.09% | +13.72% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.13% | +21.63% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.39% | +21.55% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.49% | +13.26% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.8% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -23.0% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 14, 2012 | Sep 7, 2010 |
QLTA vs VOO Performance
iShares Aaa A Rated Corporate Bond ETF (QLTA) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year QLTA returned +1.13% while VOO returned +21.63%. Year to date, QLTA is down 1.09% versus a gain of 13.72% for VOO.
Over three years, QLTA compounded at +4.39% per year against +21.55% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are -0.49% and +13.26% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.56% annualized vs +0.77%. 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 5.8% for QLTA. 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 -23.0% for QLTA 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 0.46. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QLTA charges 0.15% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $15 vs $3 annually, a gap of $12 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QLTA currently yields 4.46% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
QLTA and VOO share 2 holdings out of 1739 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 QLTA | Weight in VOO | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| GE | 0.05% | 0.60% | 0.55% |
| MMC 4.75 03/15/39 | 0.01% | 0.12% | 0.11% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QLTA or VOO?
QLTA has an expense ratio of 0.15% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $12 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QLTA or VOO?
Over the past year QLTA returned +1.13% vs +21.63% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), QLTA annualized +0.77% vs +13.56% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QLTA or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 5.8% for QLTA. Worst drawdown: QLTA -23.0% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both QLTA and VOO?
QLTA and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.46, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QLTA and VOO?
QLTA and VOO share 2 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1739 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QLTA or VOO?
QLTA yields 4.46% while VOO yields 1.09%, so QLTA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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