QPFF 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

MetricQPFFVXUSWinner
Expense Ratio0.32%0.05%
AUM$40M$156.5B
Dividend Yield6.03%2.60%
Holdings18,747
YTD Return+0.90%+14.57%
1Y Return+0.38%+27.82%
3Y Return (annualized)+5.39%+19.27%
5Y Return (annualized)-+9.28%
Volatility (annualized)8.9%15.1%
Max Drawdown-15.2%-39.9%
Fund FamilyAmerican Century InvestmentsVanguard (US)
CategoryAllocation/BalancedEquity
InceptionFeb 16, 2021Jan 26, 2011

QPFF vs VXUS Performance

American Century Quality Preferred ETF (QPFF) is a ETF from American Century Investments and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year QPFF returned +0.38% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, QPFF is up 0.90% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.

Over three years, QPFF compounded at +5.39% per year against +19.27% for VXUS. Across the full 5-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs +2.87%. 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 8.9% for QPFF. 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 -15.2% for QPFF 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 0.72. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

QPFF charges 0.32% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $32 vs $5 annually, a gap of $27 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QPFF currently yields 6.03% against 2.60% for VXUS.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, QPFF or VXUS?

QPFF has an expense ratio of 0.32% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $27 per year of difference.

Which performed better, QPFF or VXUS?

Over the past year QPFF returned +0.38% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), QPFF annualized +2.87% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, QPFF or VXUS?

VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 8.9% for QPFF. Worst drawdown: QPFF -15.2% vs VXUS -39.9%.

Should I hold both QPFF and VXUS?

QPFF and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.72, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

Which pays a higher dividend, QPFF or VXUS?

QPFF yields 6.03% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so QPFF currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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