QEFA vs VXUS
State Street SPDR MSCI EAFE 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 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QEFA | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.30% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $1.1B | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.75% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 680 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +12.68% | +14.26% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.03% | +25.40% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.77% | +20.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.83% | +9.76% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.3% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -32.7% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 4, 2014 | Jan 26, 2011 |
QEFA vs VXUS Performance
State Street SPDR MSCI EAFE StrategicFactors ETF (QEFA) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year QEFA returned +20.03% while VXUS returned +25.40%. Year to date, QEFA is up 12.68% versus a gain of 14.26% for VXUS.
Over three years, QEFA compounded at +17.77% per year against +20.47% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +8.83% and +9.76% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, QEFA has the edge at +5.75% annualized vs +4.83%. 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 13.3% for QEFA. 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 -32.7% for QEFA 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 0.95. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QEFA charges 0.30% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $30 vs $5 annually, a gap of $25 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QEFA currently yields 2.75% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
QEFA and VXUS share 434 holdings out of 8069 unique holdings combined, representing a 26.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QEFA or VXUS?
QEFA has an expense ratio of 0.30% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $25 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QEFA or VXUS?
Over the past year QEFA returned +20.03% vs +25.40% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), QEFA annualized +5.75% vs +4.83% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QEFA or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 13.3% for QEFA. Worst drawdown: QEFA -32.7% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both QEFA and VXUS?
QEFA and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.95, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between QEFA and VXUS?
QEFA and VXUS share 434 common holdings with a 26.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8069 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QEFA or VXUS?
QEFA yields 2.75% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so QEFA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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