QMAR vs VXUS
FT Vest Nasdaq-100 Buffer ETF - March 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 | QMAR | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.90% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $563M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +14.22% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.47% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.05% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.39% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 11.9% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -19.8% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 19, 2021 | Jan 26, 2011 |
QMAR vs VXUS Performance
FT Vest Nasdaq-100 Buffer ETF - March (QMAR) 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 QMAR returned +19.47% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, QMAR is up 14.22% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, QMAR compounded at +16.05% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +11.39% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, QMAR has the edge at +12.30% annualized vs +4.86%. 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 11.9% for QMAR. 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 -19.8% for QMAR 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 0.67. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QMAR 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, QMAR currently yields 0.00% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
QMAR 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, QMAR or VXUS?
QMAR 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, QMAR or VXUS?
Over the past year QMAR returned +19.47% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), QMAR annualized +12.30% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QMAR or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 11.9% for QMAR. Worst drawdown: QMAR -19.8% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both QMAR and VXUS?
QMAR and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.67, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QMAR and VXUS?
QMAR and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7862 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QMAR or VXUS?
QMAR yields 0.00% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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