VXUS vs YQQQ
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF vs YieldMax Short N100 Option Income Strategy 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 | VXUS | YQQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 1.11% | |
| AUM | $156.5B | $16M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.60% | 31.27% | |
| Holdings | 8,747 | 29 | |
| YTD Return | +15.24% | -8.29% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.32% | -7.81% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.85% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.23% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 15.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.9% | -29.1% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | YieldMax ETF | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2011 | Aug 14, 2024 |
VXUS vs YQQQ Performance
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and YieldMax Short N100 Option Income Strategy ETF (YQQQ) is a ETF from YieldMax ETF. Over the past year VXUS returned +26.32% while YQQQ returned -7.81%. Year to date, VXUS is up 15.24% versus a loss of 8.29% for YQQQ.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
YQQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.9% 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 -39.9% for VXUS and -29.1% for YQQQ. 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 -0.59. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VXUS charges 0.05% per year while YQQQ charges 1.11%. On a $10,000 position that is $5 vs $111 annually, a gap of $106 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VXUS currently yields 2.60% against 31.27% for YQQQ.
Holdings Overlap
VXUS and YQQQ share 0 holdings out of 7864 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, VXUS or YQQQ?
VXUS has an expense ratio of 0.05% while YQQQ charges 1.11%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $106 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VXUS or YQQQ?
Over the past year VXUS returned +26.32% vs -7.81% for YQQQ, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), VXUS annualized +4.89% vs -10.77% for YQQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VXUS or YQQQ?
YQQQ has been the more volatile fund at 15.9% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: VXUS -39.9% vs YQQQ -29.1%.
Should I hold both VXUS and YQQQ?
VXUS and YQQQ have a monthly-return correlation of -0.59, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VXUS and YQQQ?
VXUS and YQQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7864 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VXUS or YQQQ?
VXUS yields 2.60% while YQQQ yields 31.27%, so YQQQ 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.