DUG vs VXUS
ProShares UltraShort Energy vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, DUG or VXUS?
Opposite sides of the same exposure.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two move opposite each other, correlation -0.59, so holding both offsets the exposure while paying both fees.
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 | DUG | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $31M | $158.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 5.28% | 2.51% |
| Holdings | 7 | 8,747 |
| YTD Return | -49.93% | +14.94%Best |
| 1Y Return | -54.42% | +21.99%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -25.67% | +20.89%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -41.44% | +9.48%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 48.8% | 15.0%Best |
| Max Drawdown | - | -39.9% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $689 | $15,728Best |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Equity |
| Style | Trading-Inverse Equity | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Jan 30, 2007 | 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 22, 2026 (15.6 years).
DUG 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.
DUG vs VXUS Performance
ProShares UltraShort Energy (DUG) is an ETF from ProShares and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DUG returned -54.42% while VXUS returned +21.99%. Year to date, DUG is down 49.93% versus a gain of 14.94% for VXUS.
Over three years, DUG compounded at -25.67% per year against +20.89% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -41.44% and +9.48% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.84% annualized vs -27.54%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DUG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 48.8% 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 -0.59. They move opposite each other. Holding both offsets the exposure rather than spreading it, while paying both funds' fees.
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 5.28% against 2.51% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 1 holding in DUG and 8,082 in VXUS, totalling 44.4% and 88.8% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 1 positions we hold weights for in DUG and 8,082 in VXUS, against full books of 7 and 8,747.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of DUG 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, DUG or VXUS?
DUG 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, DUG or VXUS?
Over the past year DUG returned -54.42% vs +21.99% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), DUG annualized -27.54% vs +4.84% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, DUG or VXUS?
DUG has been the more volatile fund at 48.8% annualized versus 15.0% for VXUS.
Should I hold both DUG and VXUS?
DUG and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of -0.59, so they move opposite each other. Holding both offsets the exposure rather than spreading it, and pays both funds' fees on the way. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, DUG or VXUS?
DUG yields 5.28% while VXUS yields 2.51%, so DUG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than DUG?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two move opposite each other, correlation -0.59, so holding both offsets the exposure while paying both fees. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.