QTUM vs VTI
Defiance Quantum ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. QTUM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QTUM | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.40% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $5.8B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.83% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 87 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +34.39% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +65.91% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +47.00% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +25.96% | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 26.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -38.5% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Defiance ETFs, LLC | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 4, 2018 | May 24, 2001 |
QTUM vs VTI Performance
Defiance Quantum ETF (QTUM) is a ETF from Defiance ETFs, LLC and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year QTUM returned +65.91% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, QTUM is up 34.39% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, QTUM compounded at +47.00% per year against +21.83% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +25.96% and +12.01% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, QTUM has the edge at +26.29% annualized vs +8.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QTUM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 26.2% 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 -38.5% for QTUM 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 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QTUM charges 0.40% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $40 vs $3 annually, a gap of $37 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QTUM currently yields 0.83% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
QTUM and VTI share 46 holdings out of 2828 unique holdings combined, representing a 16.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QTUM or VTI?
QTUM has an expense ratio of 0.40% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $37 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QTUM or VTI?
Over the past year QTUM returned +65.91% vs +22.35% for VTI, so QTUM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), QTUM annualized +26.29% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QTUM or VTI?
QTUM has been the more volatile fund at 26.2% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: QTUM -38.5% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both QTUM and VTI?
QTUM and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QTUM and VTI?
QTUM and VTI share 46 common holdings with a 16.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2828 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QTUM or VTI?
QTUM yields 0.83% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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