REK vs VXUS
REK vs VXUS
ProShares Short Real Estate 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 | REK | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $12M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.22% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 8 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -9.46% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | -6.21% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -4.88% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.11% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.0% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -84.8% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 16, 2010 | Jan 26, 2011 |
REK vs VXUS Performance
ProShares Short Real Estate (REK) is a ETF from ProShares and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year REK returned -6.21% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, REK is down 9.46% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, REK compounded at -4.88% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -0.11% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs -9.96%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
REK has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.0% 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 -84.8% for REK 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 -0.67. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
REK 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, REK currently yields 3.22% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
REK and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7862 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, REK or VXUS?
REK has an expense ratio of 0.95% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $90 per year of difference.
Which performed better, REK or VXUS?
Over the past year REK returned -6.21% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), REK annualized -9.96% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, REK or VXUS?
REK has been the more volatile fund at 16.0% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: REK -84.8% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both REK and VXUS?
REK and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of -0.67, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between REK and VXUS?
REK and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7862 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, REK or VXUS?
REK yields 3.22% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so REK currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.