QQQ vs VXUS
QQQ vs VXUS
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7860 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $455.8B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.41% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +12.48% | +11.13% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.35% | +27.13% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.30% | +17.24% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.24% | +8.71% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Jan 26, 2011 |
QQQ vs VXUS Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year QQQ returned +22.35% while VXUS returned +27.13%. Year to date, QQQ is up 12.48% versus a gain of 11.13% for VXUS.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +22.30% per year against +17.24% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +14.24% and +8.71% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +12.91% annualized vs +4.66%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 15.1% for VXUS. 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 -83.0% for QQQ and -39.9% for VXUS. 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 0.74. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $5 annually, a gap of $13 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.41% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and VXUS share 5 holdings out of 7958 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in QQQ | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| SHOP:CA | 0.67% | 0.33% | 0.34% |
| PDD:IE | 0.25% | 0.18% | 0.07% |
| FER:AS | 0.20% | 0.08% | 0.12% |
| CCEP:LN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| TRI:CA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 5 holdings QQQ shares with VXUS Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQ or VXUS?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $13 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or VXUS?
Over the past year QQQ returned +22.35% vs +27.13% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), QQQ annualized +12.91% vs +4.66% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or VXUS?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both QQQ and VXUS?
QQQ and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.74, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and VXUS?
QQQ and VXUS share 5 common holdings with a 0.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7958 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or VXUS?
QQQ yields 0.41% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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