QSML vs VXUS
QSML vs VXUS
WisdomTree US SmallCap Quality Growth Fund vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. QSML delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QSML | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.38% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $12M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.54% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 391 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +21.04% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +32.06% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.8% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -28.3% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | WisdomTree Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 25, 2024 | Jan 26, 2011 |
QSML vs VXUS Performance
WisdomTree US SmallCap Quality Growth Fund (QSML) is a ETF from WisdomTree Investments and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year QSML returned +32.06% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, QSML is up 21.04% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QSML has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.8% 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 -28.3% for QSML 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 0.49. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QSML charges 0.38% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $38 vs $5 annually, a gap of $33 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QSML currently yields 0.54% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
QSML and VXUS share 1 holdings out of 8247 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in QSML | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| BILL | 0.44% | 0.00% | 0.44% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QSML or VXUS?
QSML has an expense ratio of 0.38% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $33 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QSML or VXUS?
Over the past year QSML returned +32.06% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so QSML leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), QSML annualized +14.77% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QSML or VXUS?
QSML has been the more volatile fund at 17.8% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: QSML -28.3% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both QSML and VXUS?
QSML and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.49, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QSML and VXUS?
QSML and VXUS share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8247 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QSML or VXUS?
QSML yields 0.54% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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