QTUM vs VXUS
Defiance Quantum ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. QTUM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QTUM | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.40% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $5.1B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.71% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 86 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +41.33% | +15.24% | |
| 1Y Return | +67.76% | +26.32% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +48.28% | +19.85% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +27.24% | +9.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 26.4% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -38.5% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Defiance ETFs, LLC | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 4, 2018 | Jan 26, 2011 |
QTUM vs VXUS Performance
Defiance Quantum ETF (QTUM) is a ETF from Defiance ETFs, LLC and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year QTUM returned +67.76% while VXUS returned +26.32%. Year to date, QTUM is up 41.33% versus a gain of 15.24% for VXUS.
Over three years, QTUM compounded at +48.28% per year against +19.85% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +27.24% and +9.23% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, QTUM has the edge at +27.18% annualized vs +4.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QTUM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 26.4% 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 -38.5% for QTUM 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 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QTUM charges 0.40% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $40 vs $5 annually, a gap of $35 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QTUM currently yields 0.71% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
QTUM and VXUS share 17 holdings out of 7927 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QTUM or VXUS?
QTUM has an expense ratio of 0.40% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $35 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QTUM or VXUS?
Over the past year QTUM returned +67.76% vs +26.32% for VXUS, so QTUM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), QTUM annualized +27.18% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QTUM or VXUS?
QTUM has been the more volatile fund at 26.4% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: QTUM -38.5% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both QTUM and VXUS?
QTUM and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QTUM and VXUS?
QTUM and VXUS share 17 common holdings with a 3.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7927 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QTUM or VXUS?
QTUM yields 0.71% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.