PEX vs VXUS
ProShares Global Listed Private Equity ETF 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 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PEX | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 2.95% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $11M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 8.93% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 31 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -2.56% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | -10.11% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.62% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.42% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 115.1% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -77.9% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 26, 2013 | Jan 26, 2011 |
PEX vs VXUS Performance
ProShares Global Listed Private Equity ETF (PEX) is a ETF from ProShares and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PEX returned -10.11% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, PEX is down 2.56% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, PEX compounded at +4.62% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -0.42% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, PEX has the edge at +5.34% annualized vs +4.86%. 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 15.1% 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 -77.9% for PEX 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 0.01. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PEX charges 2.95% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $295 vs $5 annually, a gap of $290 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PEX currently yields 8.93% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
PEX and VXUS share 5 holdings out of 7886 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PEX or VXUS?
PEX has an expense ratio of 2.95% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $290 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PEX or VXUS?
Over the past year PEX returned -10.11% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), PEX annualized +5.34% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PEX or VXUS?
PEX has been the more volatile fund at 115.1% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: PEX -77.9% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both PEX and VXUS?
PEX and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.01, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PEX and VXUS?
PEX and VXUS share 5 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7886 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PEX or VXUS?
PEX yields 8.93% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so PEX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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