QWLD vs VTI
State Street SPDR MSCI World StrategicFactors ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QWLD | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.30% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $179M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.79% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 1,297 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +11.54% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +17.93% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.67% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.09% | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -31.9% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 4, 2014 | May 24, 2001 |
QWLD vs VTI Performance
State Street SPDR MSCI World StrategicFactors ETF (QWLD) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year QWLD returned +17.93% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, QWLD is up 11.54% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, QWLD compounded at +17.67% per year against +21.83% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +10.09% and +12.01% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, QWLD has the edge at +9.20% annualized vs +8.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 12.6% for QWLD. 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 -31.9% for QWLD 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 0.94. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QWLD charges 0.30% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $30 vs $3 annually, a gap of $27 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QWLD currently yields 1.79% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
QWLD and VTI share 476 holdings out of 3539 unique holdings combined, representing a 49.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QWLD or VTI?
QWLD has an expense ratio of 0.30% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $27 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QWLD or VTI?
Over the past year QWLD returned +17.93% vs +22.35% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), QWLD annualized +9.20% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QWLD or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 12.6% for QWLD. Worst drawdown: QWLD -31.9% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both QWLD and VTI?
QWLD and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.94, 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 QWLD and VTI?
QWLD and VTI share 476 common holdings with a 49.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3539 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QWLD or VTI?
QWLD yields 1.79% while VTI yields 1.07%, so QWLD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.