QLTI vs VYM
GMO International Quality ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QLTI | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $298M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.60% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 38 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +3.74% | +14.66% | |
| 1Y Return | +9.40% | +22.16% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.72% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.1% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -14.8% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | GMO | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 28, 2024 | Nov 10, 2006 |
QLTI vs VYM Performance
GMO International Quality ETF (QLTI) is a ETF from GMO and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year QLTI returned +9.40% while VYM returned +22.16%. Year to date, QLTI is up 3.74% versus a gain of 14.66% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 13.1% for QLTI. 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 -14.8% for QLTI 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 0.52. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QLTI charges 0.60% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $4 annually, a gap of $56 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QLTI currently yields 0.60% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
QLTI and VYM share 0 holdings out of 639 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, QLTI or VYM?
QLTI has an expense ratio of 0.60% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $56 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QLTI or VYM?
Over the past year QLTI returned +9.40% vs +22.16% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), QLTI annualized +6.55% vs +7.01% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QLTI or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 13.1% for QLTI. Worst drawdown: QLTI -14.8% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both QLTI and VYM?
QLTI and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.52, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QLTI and VYM?
QLTI and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 639 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QLTI or VYM?
QLTI yields 0.60% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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