THEQ vs VTI

Quick Verdict

VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.

Lower Fees: VTIHigher Returns: VTIMore Diversified: VTI

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricTHEQVTIWinner
Expense Ratio0.46%0.03%
AUM$37M$663.5B
Dividend Yield0.74%1.07%
Holdings3473,543
YTD Return+9.06%+14.20%
1Y Return+15.18%+24.16%
3Y Return (annualized)-+21.12%
5Y Return (annualized)-+12.37%
Volatility (annualized)8.2%15.3%
Max Drawdown-8.1%-56.6%
Fund FamilyT.Rowe PriceVanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionMar 26, 2025May 24, 2001

THEQ vs VTI Performance

T. Rowe Price Hedged Equity ETF (THEQ) is a ETF from T.Rowe Price and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year THEQ returned +15.18% while VTI returned +24.16%. Year to date, THEQ is up 9.06% versus a gain of 14.20% for VTI.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 8.2% for THEQ. 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 -8.1% for THEQ 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 0.99. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.

Fees and Cost Over Time

THEQ charges 0.46% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $46 vs $3 annually, a gap of $43 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, THEQ currently yields 0.74% against 1.07% for VTI.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

THEQ and VTI share 1 holdings out of 2944 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in THEQWeight in VTIDifference
VST0.04%0.07%0.03%

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, THEQ or VTI?

THEQ has an expense ratio of 0.46% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $43 per year of difference.

Which performed better, THEQ or VTI?

Over the past year THEQ returned +15.18% vs +24.16% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), THEQ annualized +16.45% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, THEQ or VTI?

VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 8.2% for THEQ. Worst drawdown: THEQ -8.1% vs VTI -56.6%.

Should I hold both THEQ and VTI?

THEQ and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.99, 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 THEQ and VTI?

THEQ and VTI share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2944 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, THEQ or VTI?

THEQ yields 0.74% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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