PEX vs VOO
ProShares Global Listed Private Equity ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PEX | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 2.95% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $11M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 8.93% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 31 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | -2.56% | +13.80% | |
| 1Y Return | -10.11% | +23.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.62% | +21.50% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.42% | +13.44% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 115.1% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -77.9% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 26, 2013 | Sep 7, 2010 |
PEX vs VOO Performance
ProShares Global Listed Private Equity ETF (PEX) is a ETF from ProShares and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PEX returned -10.11% while VOO returned +23.71%. Year to date, PEX is down 2.56% versus a gain of 13.80% for VOO.
Over three years, PEX compounded at +4.62% per year against +21.50% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are -0.42% and +13.44% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.58% annualized vs +5.34%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PEX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 115.1% compared with 14.1% for VOO. 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 -77.9% for PEX and -34.3% for VOO. 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 0.05. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PEX charges 2.95% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $295 vs $3 annually, a gap of $292 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PEX currently yields 8.93% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
PEX and VOO share 0 holdings out of 535 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, PEX or VOO?
PEX has an expense ratio of 2.95% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $292 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PEX or VOO?
Over the past year PEX returned -10.11% vs +23.71% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), PEX annualized +5.34% vs +13.58% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PEX or VOO?
PEX has been the more volatile fund at 115.1% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: PEX -77.9% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both PEX and VOO?
PEX and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.05, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PEX and VOO?
PEX and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 535 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PEX or VOO?
PEX yields 8.93% while VOO yields 1.09%, so PEX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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