SQLV vs VTI
Royce Quant Small Cap Quality Value ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. SQLV delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SQLV | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $41M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.95% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 324 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +27.53% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +32.37% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.33% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.35% | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -49.8% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 12, 2017 | May 24, 2001 |
SQLV vs VTI Performance
Royce Quant Small Cap Quality Value ETF (SQLV) is a ETF from Franklin Templeton Investments (US) and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SQLV returned +32.37% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, SQLV is up 27.53% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, SQLV compounded at +15.33% per year against +21.83% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +9.35% and +12.01% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, SQLV has the edge at +9.64% annualized vs +8.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SQLV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.6% 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 -49.8% for SQLV 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 0.85. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SQLV charges 0.60% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $3 annually, a gap of $57 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SQLV currently yields 0.95% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
SQLV and VTI share 239 holdings out of 2862 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SQLV or VTI?
SQLV has an expense ratio of 0.60% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $57 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SQLV or VTI?
Over the past year SQLV returned +32.37% vs +22.35% for VTI, so SQLV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), SQLV annualized +9.64% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SQLV or VTI?
SQLV has been the more volatile fund at 22.6% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: SQLV -49.8% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both SQLV and VTI?
SQLV and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.85, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SQLV and VTI?
SQLV and VTI share 239 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2862 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SQLV or VTI?
SQLV yields 0.95% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI 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.