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

MetricRBVXUSWinner
Expense Ratio0.58%0.05%
AUM$1M$156.5B
Dividend Yield2.28%2.60%
Holdings1,9638,747
YTD Return+7.88%+14.57%
1Y Return+16.21%+27.82%
3Y Return (annualized)-+19.27%
5Y Return (annualized)-+9.28%
Volatility (annualized)3.1%15.1%
Max Drawdown-2.1%-39.9%
Fund FamilyProSharesVanguard (US)
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionJun 24, 2025Jan 26, 2011

RB vs VXUS Performance

ProShares Russell 2000 Dynamic Buffer ETF (RB) is a ETF from ProShares and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year RB returned +16.21% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, RB is up 7.88% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 3.1% for RB. 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 -2.1% for RB 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 0.21. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

RB charges 0.58% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $58 vs $5 annually, a gap of $53 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RB currently yields 2.28% against 2.60% for VXUS.

Holdings Overlap

0.2%overlap

RB and VXUS share 19 holdings out of 9792 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.2% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in RBWeight in VXUSDifference
ESE0.26%0.00%0.26%
UCB:BR0.12%0.08%0.04%
SSRM:CA0.18%0.01%0.17%
SIGProProPro
MTX:SGProProPro
FBKProProPro
UUUU:CAProProPro
BBUC:CAProProPro
PPTA:CAProProPro
CASHProProPro
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, RB or VXUS?

RB has an expense ratio of 0.58% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $53 per year of difference.

Which performed better, RB or VXUS?

Over the past year RB returned +16.21% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), RB annualized +15.86% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, RB or VXUS?

VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 3.1% for RB. Worst drawdown: RB -2.1% vs VXUS -39.9%.

Should I hold both RB and VXUS?

RB and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.21, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between RB and VXUS?

RB and VXUS share 19 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 9792 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, RB or VXUS?

RB yields 2.28% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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