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

MetricQQDNVXUSWinner
Expense Ratio0.95%0.05%
AUM$1M$156.5B
Dividend Yield5.20%2.60%
Holdings48,747
YTD Return-22.06%+14.57%
1Y Return-34.62%+27.82%
3Y Return (annualized)-+19.27%
5Y Return (annualized)-+9.28%
Volatility (annualized)43.0%15.1%
Max Drawdown-50.2%-39.9%
Fund FamilyProSharesVanguard (US)
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionJun 10, 2025Jan 26, 2011

QQDN vs VXUS Performance

ProShares UltraShort QQQ Mega (QQDN) is a ETF from ProShares and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year QQDN returned -34.62% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, QQDN is down 22.06% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

QQDN has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 43.0% compared with 15.1% for VXUS. 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 -50.2% for QQDN 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 -0.35. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

QQDN charges 0.95% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $95 vs $5 annually, a gap of $90 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQDN currently yields 5.20% against 2.60% for VXUS.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, QQDN or VXUS?

QQDN has an expense ratio of 0.95% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $90 per year of difference.

Which performed better, QQDN or VXUS?

Over the past year QQDN returned -34.62% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), QQDN annualized -43.33% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, QQDN or VXUS?

QQDN has been the more volatile fund at 43.0% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: QQDN -50.2% vs VXUS -39.9%.

Should I hold both QQDN and VXUS?

QQDN and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of -0.35, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

Which pays a higher dividend, QQDN or VXUS?

QQDN yields 5.20% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so QQDN currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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