ION vs VXUS
Proshares S&P Global Core Battery Metals ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. ION delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ION | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.58% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $13M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.61% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 53 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -1.32% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +56.94% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.88% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 31.2% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -52.2% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 29, 2022 | Jan 26, 2011 |
ION vs VXUS Performance
Proshares S&P Global Core Battery Metals ETF (ION) is a ETF from ProShares and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ION returned +56.94% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, ION is down 1.32% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, ION compounded at +16.88% per year against +20.34% for VXUS. Across the full 4-year window we track, ION has the edge at +7.73% annualized vs +4.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ION has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 31.2% 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 -52.2% for ION 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 0.71. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ION charges 0.58% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $58 vs $5 annually, a gap of $53 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ION currently yields 1.61% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
ION and VXUS share 30 holdings out of 7891 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ION or VXUS?
ION has an expense ratio of 0.58% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $53 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ION or VXUS?
Over the past year ION returned +56.94% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so ION leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), ION annualized +7.73% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ION or VXUS?
ION has been the more volatile fund at 31.2% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: ION -52.2% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both ION and VXUS?
ION and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.71, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ION and VXUS?
ION and VXUS share 30 common holdings with a 1.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7891 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ION or VXUS?
ION yields 1.61% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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