SH vs VXUS
ProShares Short 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 | SH | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.89% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $928M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.21% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 16 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -9.62% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | -14.69% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -12.98% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -8.93% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.9% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -95.5% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 19, 2006 | Jan 26, 2011 |
SH vs VXUS Performance
ProShares Short S&P500 (SH) is a ETF from ProShares and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SH returned -14.69% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, SH is down 9.62% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, SH compounded at -12.98% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -8.93% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs -12.54%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 14.9% for SH. 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 -95.5% for SH 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 -0.81. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SH charges 0.89% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $89 vs $5 annually, a gap of $84 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SH currently yields 4.21% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SH or VXUS?
SH has an expense ratio of 0.89% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $84 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SH or VXUS?
Over the past year SH returned -14.69% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), SH annualized -12.54% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SH or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 14.9% for SH. Worst drawdown: SH -95.5% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both SH and VXUS?
SH and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of -0.81, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, SH or VXUS?
SH yields 4.21% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so SH currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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