GQRE vs VXUS
FlexShares Global Quality Real Estate Index Fund 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 | GQRE | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.45% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $421M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.18% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 197 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +10.16% | +14.26% | |
| 1Y Return | +11.76% | +25.40% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.33% | +20.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.16% | +9.76% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -42.0% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Flexshares Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 5, 2013 | Jan 26, 2011 |
GQRE vs VXUS Performance
FlexShares Global Quality Real Estate Index Fund (GQRE) is a ETF from Flexshares Trust and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year GQRE returned +11.76% while VXUS returned +25.40%. Year to date, GQRE is up 10.16% versus a gain of 14.26% for VXUS.
Over three years, GQRE compounded at +12.33% per year against +20.47% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +2.16% and +9.76% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.83% annualized vs +3.38%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GQRE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.6% 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 -42.0% for GQRE 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 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GQRE charges 0.45% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $45 vs $5 annually, a gap of $40 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GQRE currently yields 4.18% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
GQRE and VXUS share 64 holdings out of 7941 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GQRE or VXUS?
GQRE has an expense ratio of 0.45% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $40 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GQRE or VXUS?
Over the past year GQRE returned +11.76% vs +25.40% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), GQRE annualized +3.38% vs +4.83% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GQRE or VXUS?
GQRE has been the more volatile fund at 15.6% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: GQRE -42.0% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both GQRE and VXUS?
GQRE and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GQRE and VXUS?
GQRE and VXUS share 64 common holdings with a 0.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7941 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GQRE or VXUS?
GQRE yields 4.18% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so GQRE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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