QTEC vs VTI
First Trust NASDAQ-100-Technology Sector Index Fund vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. QTEC delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QTEC | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.55% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $4.5B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.01% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 46 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +36.18% | +13.87% | |
| 1Y Return | +49.52% | +23.31% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +29.09% | +21.17% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.28% | +12.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.9% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 19, 2006 | May 24, 2001 |
QTEC vs VTI Performance
First Trust NASDAQ-100-Technology Sector Index Fund (QTEC) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year QTEC returned +49.52% while VTI returned +23.31%. Year to date, QTEC is up 36.18% versus a gain of 13.87% for VTI.
Over three years, QTEC compounded at +29.09% per year against +21.17% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +14.28% and +12.23% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, QTEC has the edge at +14.71% annualized vs +8.13%. 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 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 -58.9% for QTEC 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 0.86. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QTEC 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, QTEC currently yields 0.01% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
QTEC and VTI share 39 holdings out of 2791 unique holdings combined, representing a 22.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QTEC or VTI?
QTEC 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, QTEC or VTI?
Over the past year QTEC returned +49.52% vs +23.31% for VTI, so QTEC leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), QTEC annualized +14.71% vs +8.13% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QTEC or VTI?
QTEC has been the more volatile fund at 22.4% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: QTEC -58.9% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both QTEC and VTI?
QTEC and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.86, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QTEC and VTI?
QTEC and VTI share 39 common holdings with a 22.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2791 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QTEC or VTI?
QTEC yields 0.01% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI 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.