QLTI vs. VXUS

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

QLTI (GMO International Quality ETF) and VXUS (Vanguard Total International Stock ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - QLTI is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund actively managed by GMO, while VXUS is a Global Equities fund tracking the FTSE Global All Cap ex US Index. QLTI is actively managed, while VXUS is passively managed. Over the past year, QLTI returned 3.61% vs 32.01% for VXUS. Their correlation of 0.82 suggests significant overlap in exposure. QLTI charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VXUS.

Performance

QLTI vs. VXUS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in GMO International Quality ETF (QLTI) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, QLTI achieves a -1.50% return, which is significantly lower than VXUS's 14.25% return.

QLTI

• 1D: -0.57%
• 1M: 2.60%
• YTD: -1.50%
• 6M: 0.16%
• 1Y: 3.61%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VXUS

• 1D: -0.99%
• 1M: 4.68%
• YTD: 14.25%
• 6M: 16.92%
• 1Y: 32.01%
• 3Y*: 19.30%
• 5Y*: 8.46%
• 10Y*: 9.76%

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

QLTI vs. VXUS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
QLTI GMO International Quality ETF	-1.50%	17.12%	-8.17%
VXUS Vanguard Total International Stock ETF	14.25%	32.35%	-4.22%

Correlation

The correlation between QLTI and VXUS is 0.82, 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	0.82
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 30, 2024	0.82

The correlation between QLTI and VXUS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.82 to 0.82 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

QLTI vs. VXUS — Risk / Return Rank

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

QLTI

QLTI Risk / Return Rank: 12
QLTI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 12
QLTI Sortino Ratio Rank: 12
QLTI Omega Ratio Rank: 12
QLTI Calmar Ratio Rank: 12
QLTI Martin Ratio Rank: 13

VXUS

VXUS Risk / Return Rank: 60
VXUS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
VXUS Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
VXUS Omega Ratio Rank: 62
VXUS Calmar Ratio Rank: 56
VXUS Martin Ratio Rank: 61

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.

QLTI vs. VXUS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for GMO International Quality ETF (QLTI) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS). 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.

	QLTI	VXUS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.24	2.12	-1.88
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.45	2.90	-2.45
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.05	1.39	-0.33
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.26	2.85	-2.59
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.76	11.14	-10.38
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

QLTI vs. VXUS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current QLTI Sharpe Ratio is 0.24, which is lower than the VXUS Sharpe Ratio of 2.12. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of QLTI and VXUS, 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

	QLTI	VXUS	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.24	2.12	-1.88
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.53	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.57	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.22	0.39	-0.16

Drawdowns

QLTI vs. VXUS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QLTI drawdown since its inception was -14.82%, smaller than the maximum VXUS drawdown of -35.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QLTI and VXUS.

Drawdown Indicators

	QLTI	VXUS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-14.82%	-35.97%	+21.15%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.72%	-11.27%	-2.45%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-13.58%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-29.44%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.97%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.89%	-0.99%	-5.90%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.77%	-8.22%	+4.45%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.77%	2.88%	+1.89%

Volatility

QLTI vs. VXUS - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for GMO International Quality ETF (QLTI) is 4.91%, while Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) has a volatility of 5.60%. This indicates that QLTI experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VXUS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	QLTI	VXUS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.91%	5.60%	-0.69%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.38%	13.00%	-0.62%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.30%	15.21%	+0.09%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.69%	16.05%	+0.64%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.69%	17.16%	-0.47%

QLTI vs. VXUS - Expense Ratio Comparison

QLTI has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is higher than VXUS's 0.05% expense ratio.

Dividends

QLTI vs. VXUS - Dividend Comparison

QLTI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.53%, less than VXUS's 2.66% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
QLTI GMO International Quality ETF	0.53%	0.52%	0.19%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VXUS Vanguard Total International Stock ETF	2.66%	3.18%	3.37%	3.24%	3.09%	3.10%	2.14%	3.06%	3.18%	2.73%	2.93%	2.83%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both QLTI and VXUS in my portfolio?

QLTI and VXUS have a correlation of 0.82, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, QLTI or VXUS?

VXUS has higher volatility (5.60%) compared to QLTI (4.91%). In terms of maximum drawdown, QLTI dropped -14.82% vs VXUS's -35.97%.

Which ETF is better, QLTI or VXUS?

On 1-year performance, VXUS leads with 32.01% vs 3.61% for QLTI. On fees, VXUS is cheaper at 0.05% per year. On volatility, QLTI has been the lower-risk option at 4.91%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, QLTI or VXUS?

Over the 1-year period, VXUS has performed better with a 32.01% return vs 3.61%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, QLTI or VXUS?

VXUS is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for QLTI.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, QLTI or VXUS?

VXUS has the higher dividend yield at 2.66%, compared with 0.53% for QLTI.

What is the main difference between QLTI and VXUS?

QLTI is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while VXUS is Global Equities. They also come from different issuers: GMO and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for QLTI and 0.05% for VXUS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VXUS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.12 vs 0.24), 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.