QQXT vs VXUS
QQXT vs VXUS
First Trust NASDAQ-100 Ex-Technology Sector Index Fund 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 | QQXT | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $154M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.22% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 58 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +4.03% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +5.51% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +7.24% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.04% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.0% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -57.5% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 8, 2007 | Jan 26, 2011 |
QQXT vs VXUS Performance
First Trust NASDAQ-100 Ex-Technology Sector Index Fund (QQXT) 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 QQXT returned +5.51% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, QQXT is up 4.03% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, QQXT compounded at +7.24% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +4.04% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, QQXT has the edge at +9.01% annualized vs +4.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQXT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.0% 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 -57.5% for QQXT 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 0.81. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQXT charges 0.60% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $5 annually, a gap of $55 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQXT currently yields 1.22% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
QQXT and VXUS share 2 holdings out of 7914 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQXT or VXUS?
QQXT has an expense ratio of 0.60% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $55 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQXT or VXUS?
Over the past year QQXT returned +5.51% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), QQXT annualized +9.01% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQXT or VXUS?
QQXT has been the more volatile fund at 17.0% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: QQXT -57.5% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both QQXT and VXUS?
QQXT and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.81, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQXT and VXUS?
QQXT and VXUS share 2 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7914 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQXT or VXUS?
QQXT yields 1.22% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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