QQEW vs VTI
First Trust Nasdaq-100 Select Equal Weight ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQEW | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.55% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.9B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.20% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 52 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +16.35% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.09% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.52% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.88% | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.2% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 19, 2006 | May 24, 2001 |
QQEW vs VTI Performance
First Trust Nasdaq-100 Select Equal Weight ETF (QQEW) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year QQEW returned +22.09% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, QQEW is up 16.35% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, QQEW compounded at +16.52% per year against +21.83% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +7.88% and +12.01% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, QQEW has the edge at +11.17% annualized vs +8.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQEW has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.4% compared with 15.3% for VTI. 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 -58.2% for QQEW 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 0.94. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQEW charges 0.55% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $55 vs $3 annually, a gap of $52 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQEW currently yields 0.20% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
QQEW and VTI share 46 holdings out of 2791 unique holdings combined, representing a 21.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQEW or VTI?
QQEW has an expense ratio of 0.55% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $52 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQEW or VTI?
Over the past year QQEW returned +22.09% vs +22.35% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), QQEW annualized +11.17% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQEW or VTI?
QQEW has been the more volatile fund at 18.4% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: QQEW -58.2% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both QQEW and VTI?
QQEW and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.94, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between QQEW and VTI?
QQEW and VTI share 46 common holdings with a 21.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2791 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQEW or VTI?
QQEW yields 0.20% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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