QTEC vs VOO
First Trust NASDAQ-100-Technology Sector Index Fund vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. QTEC delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QTEC | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.55% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $4.5B | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.01% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 46 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +36.63% | +13.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +49.56% | +23.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +28.96% | +21.50% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.12% | +13.44% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.4% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.9% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 19, 2006 | Sep 7, 2010 |
QTEC vs VOO Performance
First Trust NASDAQ-100-Technology Sector Index Fund (QTEC) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year QTEC returned +49.56% while VOO returned +23.71%. Year to date, QTEC is up 36.63% versus a gain of 13.80% for VOO.
Over three years, QTEC compounded at +28.96% per year against +21.50% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +14.12% and +13.44% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, QTEC has the edge at +14.74% annualized vs +13.58%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QTEC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.4% compared with 14.1% for VOO. 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 -58.9% for QTEC and -34.3% for VOO. 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 0.85. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QTEC charges 0.55% per year while VOO 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, QTEC currently yields 0.01% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
QTEC and VOO share 37 holdings out of 515 unique holdings combined, representing a 24.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QTEC or VOO?
QTEC has an expense ratio of 0.55% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $52 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QTEC or VOO?
Over the past year QTEC returned +49.56% vs +23.71% for VOO, so QTEC leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), QTEC annualized +14.74% vs +13.58% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QTEC or VOO?
QTEC has been the more volatile fund at 22.4% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: QTEC -58.9% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both QTEC and VOO?
QTEC and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.85, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QTEC and VOO?
QTEC and VOO share 37 common holdings with a 24.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 515 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QTEC or VOO?
QTEC yields 0.01% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.