RWM vs VXUS
ProShares Short Russell2000 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 | RWM | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $112M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.87% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 10 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -17.08% | +15.00% | |
| 1Y Return | -23.80% | +26.87% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -12.89% | +19.79% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -6.55% | +9.26% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.9% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -96.9% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 23, 2007 | Jan 26, 2011 |
RWM vs VXUS Performance
ProShares Short Russell2000 (RWM) is a ETF from ProShares and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year RWM returned -23.80% while VXUS returned +26.87%. Year to date, RWM is down 17.08% versus a gain of 15.00% for VXUS.
Over three years, RWM compounded at -12.89% per year against +19.79% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -6.55% and +9.26% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.88% annualized vs -13.85%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
RWM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.9% 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 -96.9% for RWM 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 -0.76. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RWM 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, RWM currently yields 3.87% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
RWM 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, RWM or VXUS?
RWM 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, RWM or VXUS?
Over the past year RWM returned -23.80% vs +26.87% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), RWM annualized -13.85% vs +4.88% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RWM or VXUS?
RWM has been the more volatile fund at 20.9% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: RWM -96.9% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both RWM and VXUS?
RWM and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of -0.76, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between RWM and VXUS?
RWM and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7862 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RWM or VXUS?
RWM yields 3.87% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so RWM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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