QUS vs VTI
State Street SPDR MSCI USA StrategicFactors ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QUS | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.5B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.30% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 539 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +13.20% | +14.96% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.92% | +22.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.88% | +21.51% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.22% | +12.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.9% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.8% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 15, 2015 | May 24, 2001 |
QUS vs VTI Performance
State Street SPDR MSCI USA StrategicFactors ETF (QUS) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year QUS returned +19.92% while VTI returned +22.39%. Year to date, QUS is up 13.20% versus a gain of 14.96% for VTI.
Over three years, QUS compounded at +17.88% per year against +21.51% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +11.22% and +12.36% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, QUS has the edge at +11.83% annualized vs +8.16%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.4% compared with 13.9% for QUS. 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 -33.8% for QUS 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 0.96. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QUS charges 0.15% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $15 vs $3 annually, a gap of $12 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QUS currently yields 1.30% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
QUS and VTI share 486 holdings out of 2823 unique holdings combined, representing a 58.1% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QUS or VTI?
QUS has an expense ratio of 0.15% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $12 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QUS or VTI?
Over the past year QUS returned +19.92% vs +22.39% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), QUS annualized +11.83% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QUS or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.4% annualized versus 13.9% for QUS. Worst drawdown: QUS -33.8% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both QUS and VTI?
QUS and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.96, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between QUS and VTI?
QUS and VTI share 486 common holdings with a 58.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2823 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QUS or VTI?
QUS yields 1.30% while VTI yields 1.07%, so QUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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