SQQQ vs VXUS
ProShares UltraPro Short QQQ 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 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SQQQ | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $1.8B | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 9.13% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 20 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -43.15% | +13.56% | |
| 1Y Return | -52.88% | +24.30% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -54.48% | +20.24% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -46.13% | +9.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 48.4% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -100.0% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 9, 2010 | Jan 26, 2011 |
SQQQ vs VXUS Performance
ProShares UltraPro Short QQQ (SQQQ) is a ETF from ProShares and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SQQQ returned -52.88% while VXUS returned +24.30%. Year to date, SQQQ is down 43.15% versus a gain of 13.56% for VXUS.
Over three years, SQQQ compounded at -54.48% per year against +20.24% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -46.13% and +9.37% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.79% annualized vs -52.83%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SQQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 48.4% 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 -100.0% for SQQQ 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 -0.68. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SQQQ 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, SQQQ currently yields 9.13% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
SQQQ and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7870 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SQQQ or VXUS?
SQQQ 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, SQQQ or VXUS?
Over the past year SQQQ returned -52.88% vs +24.30% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), SQQQ annualized -52.83% vs +4.79% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SQQQ or VXUS?
SQQQ has been the more volatile fund at 48.4% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: SQQQ -100.0% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both SQQQ and VXUS?
SQQQ and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of -0.68, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SQQQ and VXUS?
SQQQ and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7870 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SQQQ or VXUS?
SQQQ yields 9.13% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so SQQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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