QSML vs VTI
WisdomTree US SmallCap Quality Growth Fund vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. QSML delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QSML | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.38% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $12M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.54% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 391 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +20.58% | +14.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +28.04% | +22.19% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -28.3% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | WisdomTree Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 25, 2024 | May 24, 2001 |
QSML vs VTI Performance
WisdomTree US SmallCap Quality Growth Fund (QSML) is a ETF from WisdomTree Investments and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year QSML returned +28.04% while VTI returned +22.19%. Year to date, QSML is up 20.58% versus a gain of 14.22% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QSML has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.8% 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 -28.3% for QSML 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 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QSML charges 0.38% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $38 vs $3 annually, a gap of $35 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QSML currently yields 0.54% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
QSML and VTI share 294 holdings out of 2876 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QSML or VTI?
QSML has an expense ratio of 0.38% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $35 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QSML or VTI?
Over the past year QSML returned +28.04% vs +22.19% for VTI, so QSML leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), QSML annualized +14.52% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QSML or VTI?
QSML has been the more volatile fund at 17.8% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: QSML -28.3% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both QSML and VTI?
QSML and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QSML and VTI?
QSML and VTI share 294 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2876 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QSML or VTI?
QSML yields 0.54% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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