QLTY vs VYM
GMO US Quality ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. QLTY delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QLTY | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $4.8B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.88% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 43 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +12.07% | +15.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.81% | +26.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.2% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -17.0% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | GMO | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 13, 2023 | Nov 10, 2006 |
QLTY vs VYM Performance
GMO US Quality ETF (QLTY) is a ETF from GMO and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year QLTY returned +27.81% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, QLTY is up 12.07% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 12.2% for QLTY. 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 -17.0% for QLTY 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 0.72. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QLTY charges 0.50% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $4 annually, a gap of $46 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QLTY currently yields 0.88% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
QLTY and VYM share 15 holdings out of 585 unique holdings combined, representing a 16.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QLTY or VYM?
QLTY has an expense ratio of 0.50% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $46 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QLTY or VYM?
Over the past year QLTY returned +27.81% vs +26.12% for VYM, so QLTY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), QLTY annualized +22.68% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QLTY or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 12.2% for QLTY. Worst drawdown: QLTY -17.0% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both QLTY and VYM?
QLTY and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.72, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QLTY and VYM?
QLTY and VYM share 15 common holdings with a 16.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 585 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QLTY or VYM?
QLTY yields 0.88% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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