PEX vs VTI
ProShares Global Listed Private Equity ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PEX | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 2.95% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $11M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 8.93% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 31 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -2.56% | +14.20% | |
| 1Y Return | -10.11% | +24.16% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.62% | +21.12% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.42% | +12.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 115.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -77.9% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 26, 2013 | May 24, 2001 |
PEX vs VTI Performance
ProShares Global Listed Private Equity ETF (PEX) is a ETF from ProShares and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PEX returned -10.11% while VTI returned +24.16%. Year to date, PEX is down 2.56% versus a gain of 14.20% for VTI.
Over three years, PEX compounded at +4.62% per year against +21.12% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are -0.42% and +12.37% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.14% 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 15.3% for VTI. 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 -56.6% for VTI. 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 0.06. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PEX charges 2.95% per year while VTI 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 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
PEX and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2813 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 VTI?
PEX has an expense ratio of 2.95% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $292 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PEX or VTI?
Over the past year PEX returned -10.11% vs +24.16% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), PEX annualized +5.34% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PEX or VTI?
PEX has been the more volatile fund at 115.1% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: PEX -77.9% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both PEX and VTI?
PEX and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.06, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PEX and VTI?
PEX and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2813 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PEX or VTI?
PEX yields 8.93% while VTI yields 1.07%, so PEX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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