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 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | REK | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $12M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.28% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 8 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -8.66% | +15.52% | |
| 1Y Return | -4.27% | +26.73% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -5.27% | +20.35% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.20% | +9.40% | |
| 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 -4.27% while VXUS returned +26.73%. Year to date, REK is down 8.66% versus a gain of 15.52% for VXUS.
Over three years, REK compounded at -5.27% per year against +20.35% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +0.20% and +9.40% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.90% annualized vs -9.88%. 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 3.28% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
REK and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7870 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 -4.27% vs +26.73% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), REK annualized -9.88% vs +4.90% 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 7870 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, REK or VXUS?
REK yields 3.28% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so REK currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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