QBUF 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

MetricQBUFVXUSWinner
Expense Ratio0.79%0.05%
AUM$161M$156.5B
Dividend Yield0.00%2.60%
Holdings68,747
YTD Return+5.32%+14.57%
1Y Return+10.07%+27.82%
3Y Return (annualized)-+19.27%
5Y Return (annualized)-+9.28%
Volatility (annualized)4.5%15.1%
Max Drawdown-8.8%-39.9%
Fund FamilyInnovator ETFs TrustVanguard (US)
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionJul 1, 2024Jan 26, 2011

QBUF vs VXUS Performance

Innovator Nasdaq-100 10 Buffer ETF - Quarterly (QBUF) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year QBUF returned +10.07% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, QBUF is up 5.32% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 4.5% for QBUF. 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 -8.8% for QBUF 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 0.45. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

QBUF charges 0.79% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $79 vs $5 annually, a gap of $74 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QBUF currently yields 0.00% against 2.60% for VXUS.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, QBUF or VXUS?

QBUF has an expense ratio of 0.79% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $74 per year of difference.

Which performed better, QBUF or VXUS?

Over the past year QBUF returned +10.07% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), QBUF annualized +10.73% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, QBUF or VXUS?

VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 4.5% for QBUF. Worst drawdown: QBUF -8.8% vs VXUS -39.9%.

Should I hold both QBUF and VXUS?

QBUF and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.45, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

Which pays a higher dividend, QBUF or VXUS?

QBUF yields 0.00% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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