VALQ vs VTI
American Century US Quality Value 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 | VALQ | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.29% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $344M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.80% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 224 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +9.75% | +12.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +15.60% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.59% | +21.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.28% | +12.11% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -38.2% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | American Century Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 11, 2018 | May 24, 2001 |
VALQ vs VTI Performance
American Century US Quality Value ETF (VALQ) is a ETF from American Century Investments and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VALQ returned +15.60% while VTI returned +21.39%. Year to date, VALQ is up 9.75% versus a gain of 12.65% for VTI.
Over three years, VALQ compounded at +15.59% per year against +21.54% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +9.28% and +12.11% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, VALQ has the edge at +8.29% annualized vs +8.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VALQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.2% 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 -38.2% for VALQ 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 0.92. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VALQ charges 0.29% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $29 vs $3 annually, a gap of $26 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VALQ currently yields 1.80% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
VALQ and VTI share 192 holdings out of 2818 unique holdings combined, representing a 26.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VALQ or VTI?
VALQ has an expense ratio of 0.29% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $26 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VALQ or VTI?
Over the past year VALQ returned +15.60% vs +21.39% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), VALQ annualized +8.29% vs +8.07% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VALQ or VTI?
VALQ has been the more volatile fund at 16.2% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: VALQ -38.2% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both VALQ and VTI?
VALQ and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.92, 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 VALQ and VTI?
VALQ and VTI share 192 common holdings with a 26.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2818 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VALQ or VTI?
VALQ yields 1.80% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VALQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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