QVAL vs VTI
Alpha Architect US Quantitative Value ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. QVAL delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QVAL | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.28% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $615M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.42% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 52 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +26.33% | +12.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +40.92% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.13% | +21.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.93% | +12.11% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -53.3% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Alpha Architect | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 22, 2014 | May 24, 2001 |
QVAL vs VTI Performance
Alpha Architect US Quantitative Value ETF (QVAL) is a ETF from Alpha Architect and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year QVAL returned +40.92% while VTI returned +21.39%. Year to date, QVAL is up 26.33% versus a gain of 12.65% for VTI.
Over three years, QVAL compounded at +21.13% per year against +21.54% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +13.93% and +12.11% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, QVAL has the edge at +8.90% annualized vs +8.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QVAL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.2% 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 -53.3% for QVAL 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 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QVAL charges 0.28% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $28 vs $3 annually, a gap of $25 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QVAL currently yields 1.42% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
QVAL and VTI share 43 holdings out of 2795 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QVAL or VTI?
QVAL has an expense ratio of 0.28% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $25 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QVAL or VTI?
Over the past year QVAL returned +40.92% vs +21.39% for VTI, so QVAL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), QVAL annualized +8.90% vs +8.07% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QVAL or VTI?
QVAL has been the more volatile fund at 21.2% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: QVAL -53.3% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both QVAL and VTI?
QVAL and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QVAL and VTI?
QVAL and VTI share 43 common holdings with a 2.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2795 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QVAL or VTI?
QVAL yields 1.42% while VTI yields 1.07%, so QVAL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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