KOLD vs VXUS

Quick Verdict

VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.

Lower Fees: VXUSHigher Returns: VXUSMore Diversified: VXUS

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricKOLDVXUSWinner
Expense Ratio0.95%0.05%
AUM$110M$156.5B
Dividend Yield0.00%2.60%
Holdings38,747
YTD Return-16.26%+14.57%
1Y Return+0.97%+27.82%
3Y Return (annualized)+6.71%+19.27%
5Y Return (annualized)-28.68%+9.28%
Volatility (annualized)97.5%15.1%
Max Drawdown-99.5%-39.9%
Fund FamilyProSharesVanguard (US)
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionOct 4, 2011Jan 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 +0.97% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, KOLD is down 16.26% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.

Over three years, KOLD compounded at +6.71% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -28.68% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs -11.20%. 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 2.60% for VXUS.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

KOLD 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, 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 +0.97% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), KOLD annualized -11.20% vs +4.86% 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 7862 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, KOLD or VXUS?

KOLD yields 0.00% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.

Get Full ETF Analytics

Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.

See inside every ETF you own
$29/moCancel anytime.
Try FundXLS →