MFUS vs. QUS

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

MFUS (PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor U.S. Equity ETF) and QUS (SPDR MSCI USA StrategicFactors ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds - MFUS tracks the RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor U.S. Index​ while QUS tracks the MSCI USA Factor Mix A-Series Capped (USD). Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, MFUS returned 12.86%/yr vs 11.26%/yr for QUS. Their correlation of 0.90 suggests significant overlap in exposure. MFUS charges 0.30%/yr vs 0.15%/yr for QUS.

Performance

MFUS vs. QUS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor U.S. Equity ETF (MFUS) and SPDR MSCI USA StrategicFactors ETF (QUS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MFUS achieves a 16.59% return, which is significantly higher than QUS's 7.55% return.

MFUS

• 1D: 0.19%
• 1M: 4.47%
• YTD: 16.59%
• 6M: 16.69%
• 1Y: 28.65%
• 3Y*: 22.52%
• 5Y*: 12.86%
• 10Y*: —

QUS

• 1D: 0.83%
• 1M: 3.04%
• YTD: 7.55%
• 6M: 7.92%
• 1Y: 18.69%
• 3Y*: 17.98%
• 5Y*: 11.26%
• 10Y*: 13.72%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

MFUS vs. QUS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MFUS PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor U.S. Equity ETF	16.59%	16.02%	20.17%	12.19%	-5.82%	24.10%	10.64%	26.17%	-7.30%	11.20%
QUS SPDR MSCI USA StrategicFactors ETF	7.55%	14.13%	18.99%	21.78%	-14.15%	26.72%	12.40%	32.45%	-3.66%	9.60%

Correlation

The correlation between MFUS and QUS is 0.88, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.88
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.92
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.90
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 7, 2017	0.90

The correlation between MFUS and QUS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.88 to 0.92 - a consistent structural relationship.

MFUS vs. QUS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	MFUS	QUS
Technology	21.8%	26.3%
Healthcare	13.5%	13.4%
Industrials	12.6%	8.6%
Financial Services	12.6%	14.6%
Consumer Cyclical	10.6%	5.8%
Consumer Defensive	10.3%	9.2%
Energy	7.0%	4.6%
Communication Services	5.3%	10.2%
Basic Materials	2.8%	2.3%
Real Estate	1.8%	1.4%
Utilities	1.7%	3.6%

Return for Risk

MFUS vs. QUS — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

MFUS

MFUS Risk / Return Rank: 84
MFUS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 83
MFUS Sortino Ratio Rank: 86
MFUS Omega Ratio Rank: 81
MFUS Calmar Ratio Rank: 84
MFUS Martin Ratio Rank: 87

QUS

QUS Risk / Return Rank: 62
QUS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 62
QUS Sortino Ratio Rank: 64
QUS Omega Ratio Rank: 61
QUS Calmar Ratio Rank: 57
QUS Martin Ratio Rank: 67

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

MFUS vs. QUS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor U.S. Equity ETF (MFUS) and SPDR MSCI USA StrategicFactors ETF (QUS). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

	MFUS	QUS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.69	2.06	+0.63
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.85	2.95	+0.89
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.48	1.37	+0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.51	2.74	+1.77
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	18.52	12.22	+6.31
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

MFUS vs. QUS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MFUS Sharpe Ratio is 2.69, which is higher than the QUS Sharpe Ratio of 2.06. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MFUS and QUS, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	MFUS	QUS	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.69	2.06	+0.63
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.86	0.79	+0.07
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.84	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.79	0.78	+0.01

Drawdowns

MFUS vs. QUS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MFUS drawdown since its inception was -35.21%, roughly equal to the maximum QUS drawdown of -33.78%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MFUS and QUS.

Drawdown Indicators

	MFUS	QUS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-35.21%	-33.78%	-1.43%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.39%	-6.85%	+0.46%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.39%	-13.94%	-1.45%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-18.22%	-22.30%	+4.08%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-33.78%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.99%	-3.70%	-0.29%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.55%	1.53%	+0.02%

Volatility

MFUS vs. QUS - Volatility Comparison

PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor U.S. Equity ETF (MFUS) has a higher volatility of 2.97% compared to SPDR MSCI USA StrategicFactors ETF (QUS) at 1.88%. This indicates that MFUS's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than QUS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MFUS	QUS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.97%	1.88%	+1.09%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.22%	6.70%	+1.52%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.71%	9.12%	+1.59%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.03%	14.33%	+0.70%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.35%	16.42%	+0.93%

MFUS vs. QUS - Expense Ratio Comparison

MFUS has a 0.30% expense ratio, which is higher than QUS's 0.15% expense ratio.

Dividends

MFUS vs. QUS - Dividend Comparison

MFUS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.35%, more than QUS's 1.30% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MFUS PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor U.S. Equity ETF	1.35%	1.54%	1.45%	1.96%	2.07%	1.35%	1.72%	1.89%	1.69%	1.01%	0.00%	0.00%
QUS SPDR MSCI USA StrategicFactors ETF	1.30%	1.38%	1.49%	1.57%	1.68%	1.27%	1.73%	1.81%	2.12%	1.86%	2.07%	1.48%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MFUS and QUS in my portfolio?

MFUS and QUS have a correlation of 0.88, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MFUS or QUS?

MFUS has higher volatility (2.97%) compared to QUS (1.88%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MFUS dropped -35.21% vs QUS's -33.78%.

Which ETF is better, MFUS or QUS?

On 5-year performance, MFUS leads with 12.86% vs 11.26% for QUS. On fees, QUS is cheaper at 0.15% per year. On volatility, QUS has been the lower-risk option at 1.88%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MFUS or QUS?

Over the 5-year period, MFUS has performed better with a 12.86% return vs 11.26%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MFUS or QUS?

QUS is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.30% for MFUS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, MFUS or QUS?

MFUS has the higher dividend yield at 1.35%, compared with 1.30% for QUS.

What is the main difference between MFUS and QUS?

MFUS tracks RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor U.S. Index​, while QUS tracks MSCI USA Factor Mix A-Series Capped (USD). They also come from different issuers: PIMCO and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.30% for MFUS and 0.15% for QUS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MFUS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.69 vs 2.06), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.