QCJA vs VXUS
FT Vest Nasdaq-100 Conservative Buffer ETF - January 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 | QCJA | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.90% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $81M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 4 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +6.81% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +12.48% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 7.0% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -10.7% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 17, 2025 | Jan 26, 2011 |
QCJA vs VXUS Performance
FT Vest Nasdaq-100 Conservative Buffer ETF - January (QCJA) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year QCJA returned +12.48% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, QCJA is up 6.81% 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 7.0% for QCJA. 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 -10.7% for QCJA 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 0.65. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QCJA charges 0.90% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $90 vs $5 annually, a gap of $85 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QCJA currently yields 0.00% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
QCJA and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7862 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QCJA or VXUS?
QCJA has an expense ratio of 0.90% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $85 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QCJA or VXUS?
Over the past year QCJA returned +12.48% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), QCJA annualized +11.50% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QCJA or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 7.0% for QCJA. Worst drawdown: QCJA -10.7% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both QCJA and VXUS?
QCJA and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.65, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QCJA and VXUS?
QCJA and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7862 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QCJA or VXUS?
QCJA yields 0.00% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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