QTJA 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

MetricQTJAVXUSWinner
Expense Ratio0.79%0.05%
AUM$20M$156.5B
Dividend Yield0.00%2.60%
Holdings58,747
YTD Return+12.64%+14.57%
1Y Return+19.73%+27.82%
3Y Return (annualized)+17.79%+19.27%
5Y Return (annualized)-+9.28%
Volatility (annualized)17.2%15.1%
Max Drawdown-36.1%-39.9%
Fund FamilyInnovator ETFs TrustVanguard (US)
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionDec 31, 2021Jan 26, 2011

QTJA vs VXUS Performance

Innovator Growth Accelerated Plus ETF - January (QTJA) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year QTJA returned +19.73% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, QTJA is up 12.64% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.

Over three years, QTJA compounded at +17.79% per year against +19.27% for VXUS. Across the full 5-year window we track, QTJA has the edge at +5.88% annualized vs +4.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

QTJA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.2% 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 -36.1% for QTJA 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

QTJA charges 0.79% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $79 vs $5 annually, a gap of $74 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QTJA currently yields 0.00% against 2.60% for VXUS.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, QTJA or VXUS?

QTJA has an expense ratio of 0.79% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $74 per year of difference.

Which performed better, QTJA or VXUS?

Over the past year QTJA returned +19.73% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), QTJA annualized +5.88% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, QTJA or VXUS?

QTJA has been the more volatile fund at 17.2% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: QTJA -36.1% vs VXUS -39.9%.

Should I hold both QTJA and VXUS?

QTJA and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.67, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

Which pays a higher dividend, QTJA or VXUS?

QTJA yields 0.00% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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