QQQE vs VTI
Direxion NASDAQ-100 Equal Weighted Index ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. QQQE delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQE | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.35% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.5B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.58% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 103 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +20.30% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.07% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.26% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.92% | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -32.1% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 21, 2012 | May 24, 2001 |
QQQE vs VTI Performance
Direxion NASDAQ-100 Equal Weighted Index ETF (QQQE) is a ETF from Direxion Shares ETF Trust and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year QQQE returned +27.07% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, QQQE is up 20.30% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, QQQE compounded at +18.26% per year against +21.83% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +8.92% and +12.01% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, QQQE has the edge at +13.98% annualized vs +8.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.2% 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 -32.1% for QQQE 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
QQQE charges 0.35% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $35 vs $3 annually, a gap of $32 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQE currently yields 0.58% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
QQQE and VTI share 90 holdings out of 2800 unique holdings combined, representing a 23.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQE or VTI?
QQQE has an expense ratio of 0.35% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $32 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQE or VTI?
Over the past year QQQE returned +27.07% vs +22.35% for VTI, so QQQE leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), QQQE annualized +13.98% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQE or VTI?
QQQE has been the more volatile fund at 16.2% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: QQQE -32.1% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both QQQE and VTI?
QQQE 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 QQQE and VTI?
QQQE and VTI share 90 common holdings with a 23.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2800 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQE or VTI?
QQQE yields 0.58% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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