QLTA vs VYM
iShares Aaa A Rated Corporate Bond ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. QLTA offers more diversification with 1236 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QLTA | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $1.2B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.46% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 3,482 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | -1.09% | +16.53% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.13% | +25.03% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.39% | +18.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.49% | +12.25% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.8% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -23.0% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 14, 2012 | Nov 10, 2006 |
QLTA vs VYM Performance
iShares Aaa A Rated Corporate Bond ETF (QLTA) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year QLTA returned +1.13% while VYM returned +25.03%. Year to date, QLTA is down 1.09% versus a gain of 16.53% for VYM.
Over three years, QLTA compounded at +4.39% per year against +18.54% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are -0.49% and +12.25% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.10% annualized vs +0.77%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% 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 -58.8% for VYM. 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 0.39. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QLTA charges 0.15% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $15 vs $4 annually, a gap of $11 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QLTA currently yields 4.46% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
QLTA and VYM share 0 holdings out of 1794 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, QLTA or VYM?
QLTA has an expense ratio of 0.15% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $11 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QLTA or VYM?
Over the past year QLTA returned +1.13% vs +25.03% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), QLTA annualized +0.77% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QLTA or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 5.8% for QLTA. Worst drawdown: QLTA -23.0% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both QLTA and VYM?
QLTA and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.39, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QLTA and VYM?
QLTA and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1794 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QLTA or VYM?
QLTA yields 4.46% while VYM yields 2.86%, so QLTA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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