TBF vs VXUS
ProShares Short 20+ Year Treasury 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 | TBF | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $86M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.80% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 10 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +5.57% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +6.88% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +6.57% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.85% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.5% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -71.2% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 18, 2009 | Jan 26, 2011 |
TBF vs VXUS Performance
ProShares Short 20+ Year Treasury (TBF) is a ETF from ProShares and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year TBF returned +6.88% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, TBF is up 5.57% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, TBF compounded at +6.57% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +11.85% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs -3.12%. 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 13.5% for TBF. 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 -71.2% for TBF 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 0.03. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
TBF 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, TBF currently yields 2.80% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
TBF 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, TBF or VXUS?
TBF 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, TBF or VXUS?
Over the past year TBF returned +6.88% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), TBF annualized -3.12% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, TBF or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 13.5% for TBF. Worst drawdown: TBF -71.2% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both TBF and VXUS?
TBF and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.03, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between TBF and VXUS?
TBF and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7862 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, TBF or VXUS?
TBF yields 2.80% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so TBF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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