SDOW vs VXUS
ProShares UltraPro Short Dow30 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 | SDOW | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $177M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.42% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 17 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -26.41% | +14.26% | |
| 1Y Return | -40.15% | +25.40% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -59.28% | +20.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -44.36% | +9.76% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 42.7% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -100.0% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 9, 2010 | Jan 26, 2011 |
SDOW vs VXUS Performance
ProShares UltraPro Short Dow30 (SDOW) is a ETF from ProShares and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SDOW returned -40.15% while VXUS returned +25.40%. Year to date, SDOW is down 26.41% versus a gain of 14.26% for VXUS.
Over three years, SDOW compounded at -59.28% per year against +20.47% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -44.36% and +9.76% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.83% annualized vs -43.26%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SDOW has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 42.7% 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 -100.0% for SDOW 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 -0.66. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SDOW 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, SDOW currently yields 5.42% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
SDOW 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, SDOW or VXUS?
SDOW 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, SDOW or VXUS?
Over the past year SDOW returned -40.15% vs +25.40% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), SDOW annualized -43.26% vs +4.83% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SDOW or VXUS?
SDOW has been the more volatile fund at 42.7% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: SDOW -100.0% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both SDOW and VXUS?
SDOW and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of -0.66, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SDOW and VXUS?
SDOW and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7870 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SDOW or VXUS?
SDOW yields 5.42% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so SDOW currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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