SEF vs VXUS
ProShares Short Financials vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, SEF or VXUS?
Opposite sides of the same exposure.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two move opposite each other, correlation -0.75, so holding both offsets the exposure while paying both fees.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SEF | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $13M | $158.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 3.47% | 2.51% |
| Holdings | 10 | 8,747 |
| YTD Return | +0.19% | +13.64%Best |
| 1Y Return | -0.43% | +20.82%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -11.88% | +19.58%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -6.96% | +9.14%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.0% | 15.0%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -91.0% | -39.9%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $6,972 | $15,485Best |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Equity |
| Style | Trading-Inverse Equity | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Jun 10, 2008 | Jan 26, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Jan 28, 2011 to Sep 17, 2026 (15.6 years).
SEF vs VXUS growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 15.6 years both funds cover.
SEF vs VXUS Performance
ProShares Short Financials (SEF) is an ETF from ProShares and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SEF returned -0.43% while VXUS returned +20.82%. Year to date, SEF is up 0.19% versus a gain of 13.64% for VXUS.
Over three years, SEF compounded at -11.88% per year against +19.58% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -6.96% and +9.14% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.77% annualized vs -12.65%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SEF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.0% compared with 15.0% 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 -91.0% for SEF and -39.9% for VXUS. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at -0.75. They move opposite each other. Holding both offsets the exposure rather than spreading it, while paying both funds' fees.
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 3.47% against 2.51% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 1 holding in SEF and 8,082 in VXUS, totalling 84.5% and 88.8% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 1 positions we hold weights for in SEF and 8,082 in VXUS, against full books of 10 and 8,747.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of SEF and VXUS you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
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, by $90 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, SEF or VXUS?
Over the past year SEF returned -0.43% vs +20.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), SEF annualized -12.65% vs +4.77% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, SEF or VXUS?
SEF has been the more volatile fund at 16.0% annualized versus 15.0% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: SEF -91.0% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both SEF and VXUS?
SEF and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of -0.75, so they move opposite each other. Holding both offsets the exposure rather than spreading it, and pays both funds' fees on the way. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, SEF or VXUS?
SEF yields 3.47% while VXUS yields 2.51%, so SEF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than SEF?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two move opposite each other, correlation -0.75, so holding both offsets the exposure while paying both fees. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.