EFZ vs VTI
ProShares Short MSCI EAFE vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EFZ | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $10M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.98% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 6 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -11.20% | +14.22% | |
| 1Y Return | -16.15% | +22.19% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -11.90% | +21.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -6.44% | +12.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -90.3% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 23, 2007 | May 24, 2001 |
EFZ vs VTI Performance
ProShares Short MSCI EAFE (EFZ) is a ETF from ProShares and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year EFZ returned -16.15% while VTI returned +22.19%. Year to date, EFZ is down 11.20% versus a gain of 14.22% for VTI.
Over three years, EFZ compounded at -11.90% per year against +21.27% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are -6.44% and +12.23% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.14% annualized vs -8.65%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EFZ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.5% compared with 15.3% for VTI. 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 -90.3% for EFZ and -56.6% for VTI. 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 -0.81. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EFZ charges 0.95% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $95 vs $3 annually, a gap of $92 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EFZ currently yields 3.98% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
EFZ and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2784 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, EFZ or VTI?
EFZ has an expense ratio of 0.95% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $92 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EFZ or VTI?
Over the past year EFZ returned -16.15% vs +22.19% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), EFZ annualized -8.65% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EFZ or VTI?
EFZ has been the more volatile fund at 17.5% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: EFZ -90.3% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both EFZ and VTI?
EFZ and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of -0.81, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EFZ and VTI?
EFZ and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2784 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EFZ or VTI?
EFZ yields 3.98% while VTI yields 1.07%, so EFZ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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