QUS vs VXUS
QUS vs VXUS
State Street SPDR MSCI USA StrategicFactors ETF 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 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QUS | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $1.5B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.30% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 539 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +12.27% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.22% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.54% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.20% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.9% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.8% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 15, 2015 | Jan 26, 2011 |
QUS vs VXUS Performance
State Street SPDR MSCI USA StrategicFactors ETF (QUS) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year QUS returned +21.22% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, QUS is up 12.27% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, QUS compounded at +17.54% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +11.20% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, QUS has the edge at +11.77% annualized vs +4.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 13.9% for QUS. 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 -33.8% for QUS 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 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QUS 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, QUS currently yields 1.30% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
QUS and VXUS share 8 holdings out of 8379 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in QUS | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| WCN:CA | 0.43% | 0.10% | 0.33% |
| KR | 0.27% | 0.00% | 0.27% |
| ORCL | 0.15% | 0.00% | 0.15% |
| HBAN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AMRZ:SM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| IRM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| SRE | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 8 holdings QUS 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, QUS or VXUS?
QUS 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, QUS or VXUS?
Over the past year QUS returned +21.22% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), QUS annualized +11.77% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QUS or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 13.9% for QUS. Worst drawdown: QUS -33.8% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both QUS and VXUS?
QUS and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QUS and VXUS?
QUS and VXUS share 8 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8379 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QUS or VXUS?
QUS yields 1.30% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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