MZZ vs VXUS
ProShares UltraShort MidCap 400 vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, MZZ or VXUS?
Opposite sides of the same exposure.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two move opposite each other, correlation -0.79, so holding both offsets the exposure while paying both fees.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MZZ | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $4M | $158.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 5.56% | 2.51% |
| Holdings | 4 | 8,747 |
| YTD Return | -16.16% | +13.64%Best |
| 1Y Return | -19.74% | +20.82%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -21.28% | +19.58%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -15.77% | +9.14%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 32.2% | 15.0%Best |
| Max Drawdown | - | -39.9% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $4,240 | $15,485Best |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Equity |
| Style | Trading-Inverse Equity | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Jul 11, 2006 | Jan 26, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Jan 28, 2011 to Sep 17, 2026 (15.6 years).
MZZ vs VXUS growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 15.6 years both funds cover.
MZZ vs VXUS Performance
ProShares UltraShort MidCap 400 (MZZ) is an ETF from ProShares and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MZZ returned -19.74% while VXUS returned +20.82%. Year to date, MZZ is down 16.16% versus a gain of 13.64% for VXUS.
Over three years, MZZ compounded at -21.28% per year against +19.58% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -15.77% and +9.14% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.77% annualized vs -25.44%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MZZ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 32.2% compared with 15.0% for VXUS. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at -0.79. They move opposite each other. Holding both offsets the exposure rather than spreading it, while paying both funds' fees.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MZZ 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, MZZ currently yields 5.56% against 2.51% for VXUS.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of MZZ and VXUS you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, MZZ or VXUS?
MZZ has an expense ratio of 0.95% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $90 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, MZZ or VXUS?
Over the past year MZZ returned -19.74% vs +20.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), MZZ annualized -25.44% vs +4.77% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, MZZ or VXUS?
MZZ has been the more volatile fund at 32.2% annualized versus 15.0% for VXUS.
Should I hold both MZZ and VXUS?
MZZ and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of -0.79, so they move opposite each other. Holding both offsets the exposure rather than spreading it, and pays both funds' fees on the way. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, MZZ or VXUS?
MZZ yields 5.56% while VXUS yields 2.51%, so MZZ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than MZZ?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two move opposite each other, correlation -0.79, so holding both offsets the exposure while paying both fees. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.