VTI vs YQQQ
Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF vs YieldMax Short N100 Option Income Strategy 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 | VTI | YQQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 1.11% | |
| AUM | $666.9B | $15M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.07% | 28.84% | |
| Holdings | 3,543 | 27 | |
| YTD Return | +13.12% | -5.63% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.82% | -6.87% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.43% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.84% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 15.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.6% | -29.1% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | YieldMax ETF | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | May 24, 2001 | Aug 14, 2024 |
VTI vs YQQQ Performance
Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and YieldMax Short N100 Option Income Strategy ETF (YQQQ) is a ETF from YieldMax ETF. Over the past year VTI returned +20.82% while YQQQ returned -6.87%. Year to date, VTI is up 13.12% versus a loss of 5.63% for YQQQ.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
YQQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.6% 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 -56.6% for VTI and -29.1% for YQQQ. 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 move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VTI charges 0.03% per year while YQQQ charges 1.11%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $111 annually, a gap of $108 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VTI currently yields 1.07% against 28.84% for YQQQ.
Holdings Overlap
VTI and YQQQ share 0 holdings out of 2790 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, VTI or YQQQ?
VTI has an expense ratio of 0.03% while YQQQ charges 1.11%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $108 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VTI or YQQQ?
Over the past year VTI returned +20.82% vs -6.87% for YQQQ, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), VTI annualized +8.08% vs -9.33% for YQQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VTI or YQQQ?
YQQQ has been the more volatile fund at 15.6% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: VTI -56.6% vs YQQQ -29.1%.
Should I hold both VTI and YQQQ?
VTI and YQQQ 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 VTI and YQQQ?
VTI and YQQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2790 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VTI or YQQQ?
VTI yields 1.07% while YQQQ yields 28.84%, so YQQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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