KOLD vs VXUS
ProShares UltraShort Bloomberg Natural Gas vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | KOLD | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $126M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 3 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -23.04% | +14.72% | |
| 1Y Return | -18.98% | +26.79% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +1.00% | +19.63% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -27.22% | +9.16% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 97.5% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -99.5% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 4, 2011 | Jan 26, 2011 |
KOLD vs VXUS Performance
ProShares UltraShort Bloomberg Natural Gas (KOLD) is a ETF from ProShares and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year KOLD returned -18.98% while VXUS returned +26.79%. Year to date, KOLD is down 23.04% versus a gain of 14.72% for VXUS.
Over three years, KOLD compounded at +1.00% per year against +19.63% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -27.22% and +9.16% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.85% annualized vs -11.66%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
KOLD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 97.5% 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 -99.5% for KOLD 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 -0.04. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
KOLD 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, KOLD currently yields 0.00% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
KOLD and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 8095 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, KOLD or VXUS?
KOLD 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, KOLD or VXUS?
Over the past year KOLD returned -18.98% vs +26.79% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), KOLD annualized -11.66% vs +4.85% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, KOLD or VXUS?
KOLD has been the more volatile fund at 97.5% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: KOLD -99.5% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both KOLD and VXUS?
KOLD and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of -0.04, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between KOLD and VXUS?
KOLD and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8095 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, KOLD or VXUS?
KOLD yields 0.00% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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