QPFF vs VTI

Quick Verdict

VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.

Lower Fees: VTIHigher Returns: VTIMore Diversified: VTI

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricQPFFVTIWinner
Expense Ratio0.32%0.03%
AUM$40M$663.5B
Dividend Yield6.03%1.07%
Holdings13,543
YTD Return+0.90%+14.22%
1Y Return+0.38%+22.19%
3Y Return (annualized)+5.39%+21.27%
5Y Return (annualized)-+12.23%
Volatility (annualized)8.9%15.3%
Max Drawdown-15.2%-56.6%
Fund FamilyAmerican Century InvestmentsVanguard (US)
CategoryAllocation/BalancedEquity
InceptionFeb 16, 2021May 24, 2001

QPFF vs VTI Performance

American Century Quality Preferred ETF (QPFF) is a ETF from American Century Investments and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year QPFF returned +0.38% while VTI returned +22.19%. Year to date, QPFF is up 0.90% versus a gain of 14.22% for VTI.

Over three years, QPFF compounded at +5.39% per year against +21.27% for VTI. Across the full 5-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.14% annualized vs +2.87%. 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 8.9% for QPFF. 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 -15.2% for QPFF 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 0.74. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

QPFF charges 0.32% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $32 vs $3 annually, a gap of $29 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QPFF currently yields 6.03% against 1.07% for VTI.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, QPFF or VTI?

QPFF has an expense ratio of 0.32% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $29 per year of difference.

Which performed better, QPFF or VTI?

Over the past year QPFF returned +0.38% vs +22.19% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), QPFF annualized +2.87% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, QPFF or VTI?

VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 8.9% for QPFF. Worst drawdown: QPFF -15.2% vs VTI -56.6%.

Should I hold both QPFF and VTI?

QPFF and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.74, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

Which pays a higher dividend, QPFF or VTI?

QPFF yields 6.03% while VTI yields 1.07%, so QPFF currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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