CQQQ vs VXUS
Invesco China Technology 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 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CQQQ | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $3.2B | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.27% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 178 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -7.05% | +13.56% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.85% | +24.30% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.14% | +20.24% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -4.34% | +9.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 28.4% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -74.0% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 8, 2009 | Jan 26, 2011 |
CQQQ vs VXUS Performance
Invesco China Technology ETF (CQQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year CQQQ returned +3.85% while VXUS returned +24.30%. Year to date, CQQQ is down 7.05% versus a gain of 13.56% for VXUS.
Over three years, CQQQ compounded at +11.14% per year against +20.24% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -4.34% and +9.37% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, CQQQ has the edge at +5.28% annualized vs +4.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
CQQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 28.4% 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 -74.0% for CQQQ 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 0.62. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CQQQ charges 0.65% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $65 vs $5 annually, a gap of $60 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CQQQ currently yields 2.27% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
CQQQ and VXUS share 137 holdings out of 7907 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CQQQ or VXUS?
CQQQ has an expense ratio of 0.65% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $60 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CQQQ or VXUS?
Over the past year CQQQ returned +3.85% vs +24.30% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), CQQQ annualized +5.28% vs +4.79% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CQQQ or VXUS?
CQQQ has been the more volatile fund at 28.4% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: CQQQ -74.0% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both CQQQ and VXUS?
CQQQ and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.62, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CQQQ and VXUS?
CQQQ and VXUS share 137 common holdings with a 1.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7907 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CQQQ or VXUS?
CQQQ yields 2.27% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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