QLTA vs VTI
iShares Aaa A Rated Corporate Bond 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 | QLTA | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.2B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.57% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 3,482 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -0.72% | +12.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.42% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.95% | +21.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.55% | +12.11% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -23.0% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 14, 2012 | May 24, 2001 |
QLTA vs VTI Performance
iShares Aaa A Rated Corporate Bond ETF (QLTA) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year QLTA returned +1.42% while VTI returned +21.39%. Year to date, QLTA is down 0.72% versus a gain of 12.65% for VTI.
Over three years, QLTA compounded at +4.95% per year against +21.54% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are -0.55% and +12.11% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.07% annualized vs +0.79%. 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 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 -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 0.46. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QLTA charges 0.15% per year while VTI 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 4.57% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
QLTA and VTI share 3 holdings out of 5684 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, QLTA or VTI?
QLTA has an expense ratio of 0.15% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $12 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QLTA or VTI?
Over the past year QLTA returned +1.42% vs +21.39% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), QLTA annualized +0.79% vs +8.07% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QLTA or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 5.8% for QLTA. Worst drawdown: QLTA -23.0% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both QLTA and VTI?
QLTA and VTI 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 VTI?
QLTA and VTI share 3 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 5684 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QLTA or VTI?
QLTA yields 4.57% while VTI yields 1.07%, so QLTA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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