EFO vs VXUS
EFO vs VXUS
ProShares Ultra MSCI EAFE vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. EFO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EFO | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $29M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.61% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 7 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +22.49% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +43.66% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +26.99% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.58% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 32.2% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -63.7% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 4, 2009 | Jan 26, 2011 |
EFO vs VXUS Performance
ProShares Ultra MSCI EAFE (EFO) is a ETF from ProShares and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year EFO returned +43.66% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, EFO is up 22.49% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, EFO compounded at +26.99% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +9.58% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, EFO has the edge at +9.03% annualized vs +4.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EFO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 32.2% 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 -63.7% for EFO 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 0.97. 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 1.61% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
EFO 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, EFO or VXUS?
EFO 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, EFO or VXUS?
Over the past year EFO returned +43.66% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so EFO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), EFO annualized +9.03% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EFO or VXUS?
EFO has been the more volatile fund at 32.2% annualized versus 15.1% 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. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between EFO and VXUS?
EFO and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7862 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EFO or VXUS?
EFO yields 1.61% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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