QUSA vs VYM
VistaShares Target 15 USA Quality Income ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QUSA | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.97% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $22M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 15.57% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 97 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +11.14% | +16.42% | |
| 1Y Return | +6.26% | +24.22% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.03% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.2% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -9.5% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | VistaShares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 6, 2025 | Nov 10, 2006 |
QUSA vs VYM Performance
VistaShares Target 15 USA Quality Income ETF (QUSA) is a ETF from VistaShares and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year QUSA returned +6.26% while VYM returned +24.22%. Year to date, QUSA is up 11.14% versus a gain of 16.42% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 10.2% for QUSA. 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 -9.5% for QUSA 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 0.58. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QUSA charges 0.97% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $97 vs $4 annually, a gap of $93 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QUSA currently yields 15.57% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
QUSA and VYM share 10 holdings out of 623 unique holdings combined, representing a 16.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QUSA or VYM?
QUSA has an expense ratio of 0.97% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $93 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QUSA or VYM?
Over the past year QUSA returned +6.26% vs +24.22% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), QUSA annualized +9.07% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QUSA or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 10.2% for QUSA. Worst drawdown: QUSA -9.5% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both QUSA and VYM?
QUSA and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.58, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QUSA and VYM?
QUSA and VYM share 10 common holdings with a 16.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 623 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QUSA or VYM?
QUSA yields 15.57% while VYM yields 2.24%, so QUSA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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