SMN vs VXUS
ProShares UltraShort Materials 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 | SMN | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $4M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.60% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 6 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -25.79% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | -32.62% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -33.48% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -27.98% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 45.4% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -100.0% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 30, 2007 | Jan 26, 2011 |
SMN vs VXUS Performance
ProShares UltraShort Materials (SMN) is a ETF from ProShares and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SMN returned -32.62% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, SMN is down 25.79% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, SMN compounded at -33.48% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -27.98% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs -32.31%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SMN has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 45.4% 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 SMN 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 -0.76. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SMN 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, SMN currently yields 3.60% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SMN or VXUS?
SMN 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, SMN or VXUS?
Over the past year SMN returned -32.62% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), SMN annualized -32.31% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SMN or VXUS?
SMN has been the more volatile fund at 45.4% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: SMN -100.0% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both SMN and VXUS?
SMN and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of -0.76, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, SMN or VXUS?
SMN yields 3.60% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so SMN currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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