QPFF vs VTI
American Century Quality Preferred ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Which is better, QPFF or VTI?
Preferred Stock against Large Cap Blend.
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI led over 1Y and the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QPFF | VTI |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.32% | 0.03%Best |
| AUM | $40M | $666.9B |
| Dividend Yield | 6.03% | 1.03% |
| Holdings | 1 | 3,543 |
| Volatility (annualized) | 8.9%Best | 15.9% |
| Max Drawdown | -15.2%Best | -25.4% |
| $10,000 over 4.6 years | $11,390 | $16,732Best |
| Fund Family | American Century Investments | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity |
| Style | Preferred Stock | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Feb 16, 2021 | May 24, 2001 |
Not shown on this pair: YTD Return, 1Y Return, 3Y Return (annualized), 5Y Return (annualized), Top 10 Weight.
The two price series end 380 days apart, so a return over any period would be measuring two different stretches of market. Those rows are withheld. QPFF has data through Sep 8, 2025 and VTI through Sep 23, 2026.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 4.6 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Feb 18, 2021 to Sep 8, 2025 (4.6 years).
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.9% 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 -25.4% for VTI. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
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 1.03% for VTI.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of QPFF and VTI you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
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, by $29 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which is riskier, QPFF or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.9% annualized versus 8.9% for QPFF. Worst drawdown: QPFF -15.2% vs VTI -25.4%.
Should I hold both QPFF and VTI?
QPFF and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.74, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, QPFF or VTI?
QPFF yields 6.03% while VTI yields 1.03%, so QPFF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VTI better than QPFF?
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI led over 1Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.