BIS vs VXUS
ProShares UltraShort Nasdaq Biotechnology vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, BIS or VXUS?
Trading-Inverse Equity against Large Cap Blend.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BIS | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $2M | $158.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 6.96% | 2.51% |
| Holdings | 5 | 8,747 |
| YTD Return | -36.84% | +12.82%Best |
| 1Y Return | -54.44% | +19.86%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -32.82% | +19.33%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -17.23% | +9.46%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 39.6% | 15.0%Best |
| Max Drawdown | - | -39.9% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $3,885 | $15,714Best |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Equity |
| Style | Trading-Inverse Equity | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Apr 6, 2010 | Jan 26, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Jan 28, 2011 to Sep 18, 2026 (15.6 years).
BIS vs VXUS growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 15.6 years both funds cover.
BIS vs VXUS Performance
ProShares UltraShort Nasdaq Biotechnology (BIS) is an ETF from ProShares and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BIS returned -54.44% while VXUS returned +19.86%. Year to date, BIS is down 36.84% versus a gain of 12.82% for VXUS.
Over three years, BIS compounded at -32.82% per year against +19.33% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -17.23% and +9.46% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.72% annualized vs -33.64%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BIS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 39.6% compared with 15.0% for VXUS. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at -0.49. They move together some of the time, and apart the rest.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BIS 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, BIS currently yields 6.96% against 2.51% for VXUS.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of BIS and VXUS you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BIS or VXUS?
BIS has an expense ratio of 0.95% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $90 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, BIS or VXUS?
Over the past year BIS returned -54.44% vs +19.86% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), BIS annualized -33.64% vs +4.72% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, BIS or VXUS?
BIS has been the more volatile fund at 39.6% annualized versus 15.0% for VXUS.
Should I hold both BIS and VXUS?
BIS and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of -0.49, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, BIS or VXUS?
BIS yields 6.96% while VXUS yields 2.51%, so BIS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than BIS?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.