SEF vs VXUS
ProShares Short Financials 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 | SEF | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $13M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.44% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 10 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -3.54% | +15.52% | |
| 1Y Return | -4.26% | +26.73% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -13.51% | +20.35% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -7.17% | +9.40% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.7% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -96.7% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 10, 2008 | Jan 26, 2011 |
SEF vs VXUS Performance
ProShares Short Financials (SEF) is a ETF from ProShares and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SEF returned -4.26% while VXUS returned +26.73%. Year to date, SEF is down 3.54% versus a gain of 15.52% for VXUS.
Over three years, SEF compounded at -13.51% per year against +20.35% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -7.17% and +9.40% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.90% annualized vs -14.44%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SEF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.7% 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 -96.7% for SEF 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 -0.75. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SEF 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, SEF currently yields 3.44% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
SEF 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, SEF or VXUS?
SEF 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, SEF or VXUS?
Over the past year SEF returned -4.26% vs +26.73% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), SEF annualized -14.44% vs +4.90% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SEF or VXUS?
SEF has been the more volatile fund at 19.7% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: SEF -96.7% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both SEF and VXUS?
SEF and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of -0.75, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SEF and VXUS?
SEF and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7870 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SEF or VXUS?
SEF yields 3.44% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so SEF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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