TQQQ vs VXUS
ProShares UltraPro QQQ vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. TQQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | TQQQ | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.82% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $31.4B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.46% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 128 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +43.07% | +15.00% | |
| 1Y Return | +58.54% | +26.87% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +56.46% | +19.79% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +18.19% | +9.26% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 55.3% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -81.7% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 9, 2010 | Jan 26, 2011 |
TQQQ vs VXUS Performance
ProShares UltraPro QQQ (TQQQ) is a ETF from ProShares and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year TQQQ returned +58.54% while VXUS returned +26.87%. Year to date, TQQQ is up 43.07% versus a gain of 15.00% for VXUS.
Over three years, TQQQ compounded at +56.46% per year against +19.79% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +18.19% and +9.26% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, TQQQ has the edge at +42.94% annualized vs +4.88%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
TQQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 55.3% 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 -81.7% for TQQQ 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 0.74. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
TQQQ charges 0.82% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $82 vs $5 annually, a gap of $77 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, TQQQ currently yields 0.46% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
TQQQ and VXUS share 6 holdings out of 7959 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, TQQQ or VXUS?
TQQQ has an expense ratio of 0.82% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $77 per year of difference.
Which performed better, TQQQ or VXUS?
Over the past year TQQQ returned +58.54% vs +26.87% for VXUS, so TQQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), TQQQ annualized +42.94% vs +4.88% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, TQQQ or VXUS?
TQQQ has been the more volatile fund at 55.3% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: TQQQ -81.7% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both TQQQ and VXUS?
TQQQ and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.74, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between TQQQ and VXUS?
TQQQ and VXUS share 6 common holdings with a 0.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7959 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, TQQQ or VXUS?
TQQQ yields 0.46% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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