QEMM vs VXUS
State Street SPDR MSCI Emerging Markets StrategicFactors ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. QEMM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QEMM | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.30% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $54M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.96% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 855 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +21.89% | +15.00% | |
| 1Y Return | +31.38% | +26.87% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.31% | +19.79% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.13% | +9.26% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.5% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -40.5% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 4, 2014 | Jan 26, 2011 |
QEMM vs VXUS Performance
State Street SPDR MSCI Emerging Markets StrategicFactors ETF (QEMM) 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 QEMM returned +31.38% while VXUS returned +26.87%. Year to date, QEMM is up 21.89% versus a gain of 15.00% for VXUS.
Over three years, QEMM compounded at +19.31% per year against +19.79% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +8.13% and +9.26% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.88% annualized vs +4.36%. 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 14.5% for QEMM. 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 -40.5% for QEMM 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 0.92. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QEMM 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, QEMM currently yields 3.96% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
QEMM and VXUS share 610 holdings out of 8046 unique holdings combined, representing a 13.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QEMM or VXUS?
QEMM 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, QEMM or VXUS?
Over the past year QEMM returned +31.38% vs +26.87% for VXUS, so QEMM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), QEMM annualized +4.36% vs +4.88% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QEMM or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 14.5% for QEMM. Worst drawdown: QEMM -40.5% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both QEMM and VXUS?
QEMM and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.92, 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 QEMM and VXUS?
QEMM and VXUS share 610 common holdings with a 13.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8046 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QEMM or VXUS?
QEMM yields 3.96% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so QEMM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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