DUG vs VXUS
ProShares UltraShort Energy vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DUG | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $21M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.61% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 7 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -41.12% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | -50.89% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -23.48% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -40.39% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 47.9% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -99.9% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 30, 2007 | Jan 26, 2011 |
DUG vs VXUS Performance
ProShares UltraShort Energy (DUG) is a ETF from ProShares and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DUG returned -50.89% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, DUG is down 41.12% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, DUG compounded at -23.48% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -40.39% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs -30.82%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DUG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 47.9% 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 -99.9% for DUG 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 -0.59. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DUG 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, DUG currently yields 3.61% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
DUG 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, DUG or VXUS?
DUG 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, DUG or VXUS?
Over the past year DUG returned -50.89% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), DUG annualized -30.82% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DUG or VXUS?
DUG has been the more volatile fund at 47.9% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: DUG -99.9% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both DUG and VXUS?
DUG and VXUS 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 DUG and VXUS?
DUG and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7862 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DUG or VXUS?
DUG yields 3.61% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so DUG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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