QQQM vs VXUS

Quick Verdict

VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.

Lower Fees: VXUSHigher Returns: VXUSMore Diversified: VXUS

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricQQQMVXUSWinner
Expense Ratio0.15%0.05%
AUM$96.5B$156.5B
Dividend Yield0.43%2.60%
Holdings1078,747
YTD Return+16.86%+13.40%
1Y Return+26.65%+27.42%
3Y Return (annualized)+24.79%+18.54%
5Y Return (annualized)+14.96%+9.05%
Volatility (annualized)20.2%15.1%
Max Drawdown-35.0%-39.9%
Fund FamilyInvesco (US)Vanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionOct 13, 2020Jan 26, 2011

QQQM vs VXUS Performance

Invesco NASDAQ 100 ETF (QQQM) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year QQQM returned +26.65% while VXUS returned +27.42%. Year to date, QQQM is up 16.86% versus a gain of 13.40% for VXUS.

Over three years, QQQM compounded at +24.79% per year against +18.54% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +14.96% and +9.05% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, QQQM has the edge at +17.20% annualized vs +4.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

QQQM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.2% 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 -35.0% for QQQM 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 0.69. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

QQQM charges 0.15% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $15 vs $5 annually, a gap of $10 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQM currently yields 0.43% against 2.60% for VXUS.

Holdings Overlap

1.4%overlap

QQQM and VXUS share 6 holdings out of 7958 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.4% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in QQQMWeight in VXUSDifference
ASML:AS0.76%1.29%0.53%
SHOP:CA0.61%0.33%0.28%
PDD0.23%0.18%0.05%
FER:ASProProPro
CCEP:LNProProPro
TRI:CAProProPro
See all 6 holdings QQQM shares with VXUS
Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, QQQM or VXUS?

QQQM has an expense ratio of 0.15% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $10 per year of difference.

Which performed better, QQQM or VXUS?

Over the past year QQQM returned +26.65% vs +27.42% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), QQQM annualized +17.20% vs +4.79% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, QQQM or VXUS?

QQQM has been the more volatile fund at 20.2% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: QQQM -35.0% vs VXUS -39.9%.

Should I hold both QQQM and VXUS?

QQQM and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.69, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between QQQM and VXUS?

QQQM and VXUS share 6 common holdings with a 1.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7958 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, QQQM or VXUS?

QQQM yields 0.43% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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