QTOP vs VYM
iShares Nasdaq Top 30 Stocks ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. QTOP delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 613 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QTOP | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.20% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $281M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.35% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 35 | 613 | |
| YTD Return | +15.95% | +14.87% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.36% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.69% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +11.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.4% | 14.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -23.1% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 24, 2024 | Nov 10, 2006 |
QTOP vs VYM Performance
iShares Nasdaq Top 30 Stocks ETF (QTOP) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year QTOP returned +26.36% while VYM returned +21.39%. Year to date, QTOP is up 15.95% versus a gain of 14.87% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QTOP has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.4% compared with 14.5% for VYM. 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 -23.1% for QTOP and -58.8% for VYM. 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 0.42. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QTOP charges 0.20% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $20 vs $4 annually, a gap of $16 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QTOP currently yields 0.35% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
QTOP and VYM share 7 holdings out of 628 unique holdings combined, representing a 10.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QTOP or VYM?
QTOP has an expense ratio of 0.20% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $16 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QTOP or VYM?
Over the past year QTOP returned +26.36% vs +21.39% for VYM, so QTOP leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), QTOP annualized +24.47% vs +7.00% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QTOP or VYM?
QTOP has been the more volatile fund at 20.4% annualized versus 14.5% for VYM. Worst drawdown: QTOP -23.1% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both QTOP and VYM?
QTOP and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.42, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QTOP and VYM?
QTOP and VYM share 7 common holdings with a 10.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 628 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QTOP or VYM?
QTOP yields 0.35% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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