SDS vs VXUS
ProShares UltraShort S&P500 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 | SDS | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.91% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $428M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.33% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 20 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -20.44% | +15.00% | |
| 1Y Return | -28.18% | +26.87% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -28.58% | +19.79% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -21.19% | +9.26% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 28.3% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -99.9% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 11, 2006 | Jan 26, 2011 |
SDS vs VXUS Performance
ProShares UltraShort S&P500 (SDS) is a ETF from ProShares and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SDS returned -28.18% while VXUS returned +26.87%. Year to date, SDS is down 20.44% versus a gain of 15.00% for VXUS.
Over three years, SDS compounded at -28.58% per year against +19.79% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -21.19% and +9.26% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.88% annualized vs -26.34%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SDS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 28.3% 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 -99.9% for SDS 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 -0.80. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SDS charges 0.91% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $91 vs $5 annually, a gap of $86 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SDS currently yields 5.33% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
SDS 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, SDS or VXUS?
SDS has an expense ratio of 0.91% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $86 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SDS or VXUS?
Over the past year SDS returned -28.18% vs +26.87% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), SDS annualized -26.34% vs +4.88% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SDS or VXUS?
SDS has been the more volatile fund at 28.3% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: SDS -99.9% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both SDS and VXUS?
SDS and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of -0.80, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SDS and VXUS?
SDS and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7862 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SDS or VXUS?
SDS yields 5.33% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so SDS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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