EFO vs VXUS
ProShares Ultra MSCI EAFE vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, EFO or VXUS?
Trading-Leveraged Equity against Large Cap Blend.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. EFO led over 1Y, 3Y and the full window, VXUS over 5Y. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.97.
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 | EFO | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $28M | $158.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 1.57% | 2.51% |
| Holdings | 7 | 8,747 |
| YTD Return | +16.15%Best | +13.64% |
| 1Y Return | +27.86%Best | +20.82% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +26.64%Best | +19.58% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.30% | +9.14%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 31.1% | 15.0%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -63.7% | -39.9%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $14,898 | $15,485Best |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Equity |
| Style | Trading-Leveraged Equity | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Jun 4, 2009 | 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 17, 2026 (15.6 years).
EFO 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.
EFO vs VXUS Performance
ProShares Ultra MSCI EAFE (EFO) is an ETF from ProShares and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year EFO returned +27.86% while VXUS returned +20.82%. Year to date, EFO is up 16.15% versus a gain of 13.64% for VXUS.
Over three years, EFO compounded at +26.64% per year against +19.58% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +8.30% and +9.14% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, EFO has the edge at +6.54% annualized vs +4.77%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EFO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 31.1% compared with 15.0% 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 -63.7% for EFO and -39.9% for VXUS. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.97. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EFO 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, EFO currently yields 1.57% against 2.51% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 1 holding in EFO and 8,082 in VXUS, totalling 45.0% 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 EFO and 8,082 in VXUS, against full books of 7 and 8,747.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of EFO 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, EFO or VXUS?
EFO 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, EFO or VXUS?
Over the past year EFO returned +27.86% vs +20.82% for VXUS, so EFO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), EFO annualized +6.54% vs +4.77% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, EFO or VXUS?
EFO has been the more volatile fund at 31.1% annualized versus 15.0% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: EFO -63.7% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both EFO and VXUS?
EFO and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.97, so they move almost identically. What is left to separate them is the fee and the index each one tracks. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, EFO or VXUS?
EFO yields 1.57% while VXUS yields 2.51%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than EFO?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. EFO led over 1Y, 3Y and the full window, VXUS over 5Y. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.97. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.