AGQ vs VXUS
ProShares Ultra Silver vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. AGQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AGQ | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $1.1B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 7 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -49.66% | +14.07% | |
| 1Y Return | +60.74% | +27.24% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +46.13% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +17.80% | +9.14% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 65.2% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -98.2% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 1, 2008 | Jan 26, 2011 |
AGQ vs VXUS Performance
ProShares Ultra Silver (AGQ) is a ETF from ProShares and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year AGQ returned +60.74% while VXUS returned +27.24%. Year to date, AGQ is down 49.66% versus a gain of 14.07% for VXUS.
Over three years, AGQ compounded at +46.13% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +17.80% and +9.14% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.83% annualized vs +3.37%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AGQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 65.2% 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 -98.2% for AGQ 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 0.43. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AGQ 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, AGQ currently yields 0.00% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
AGQ and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7862 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, AGQ or VXUS?
AGQ 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, AGQ or VXUS?
Over the past year AGQ returned +60.74% vs +27.24% for VXUS, so AGQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), AGQ annualized +3.37% vs +4.83% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AGQ or VXUS?
AGQ has been the more volatile fund at 65.2% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: AGQ -98.2% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both AGQ and VXUS?
AGQ and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.43, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AGQ and VXUS?
AGQ and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7862 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AGQ or VXUS?
AGQ yields 0.00% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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