SPXU vs VXUS
ProShares UltraPro 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 | SPXU | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.90% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $428M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.85% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 19 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -30.19% | +14.19% | |
| 1Y Return | -42.82% | +27.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -42.07% | +19.53% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -33.57% | +9.03% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 39.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -100.0% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 23, 2009 | Jan 26, 2011 |
SPXU vs VXUS Performance
ProShares UltraPro Short S&P500 (SPXU) is a ETF from ProShares and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SPXU returned -42.82% while VXUS returned +27.38%. Year to date, SPXU is down 30.19% versus a gain of 14.19% for VXUS.
Over three years, SPXU compounded at -42.07% per year against +19.53% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -33.57% and +9.03% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.83% annualized vs -42.72%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPXU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 39.6% 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 SPXU 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 -0.78. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPXU charges 0.90% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $90 vs $5 annually, a gap of $85 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPXU currently yields 6.85% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
SPXU 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, SPXU or VXUS?
SPXU has an expense ratio of 0.90% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $85 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPXU or VXUS?
Over the past year SPXU returned -42.82% vs +27.38% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), SPXU annualized -42.72% vs +4.83% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPXU or VXUS?
SPXU has been the more volatile fund at 39.6% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: SPXU -100.0% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both SPXU and VXUS?
SPXU and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of -0.78, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPXU and VXUS?
SPXU and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7862 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPXU or VXUS?
SPXU yields 6.85% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so SPXU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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