Quick Verdict

VXUS has a lower expense ratio. UBR delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.

Lower Fees: VXUSHigher Returns: UBRMore Diversified: VXUS

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricUBRVXUSWinner
Expense Ratio0.95%0.05%
AUM$4M$156.5B
Dividend Yield1.75%2.60%
Holdings68,747
YTD Return+12.81%+14.57%
1Y Return+51.63%+27.82%
3Y Return (annualized)+5.01%+19.27%
5Y Return (annualized)-1.28%+9.28%
Volatility (annualized)62.3%15.1%
Max Drawdown-97.2%-39.9%
Fund FamilyProSharesVanguard (US)
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionApr 27, 2010Jan 26, 2011

UBR vs VXUS Performance

ProShares Ultra MSCI Brazil Capped (UBR) is a ETF from ProShares and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year UBR returned +51.63% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, UBR is up 12.81% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.

Over three years, UBR compounded at +5.01% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -1.28% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs -14.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

UBR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 62.3% 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 -97.2% for UBR 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 0.62. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

UBR 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, UBR currently yields 1.75% against 2.60% for VXUS.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, UBR or VXUS?

UBR 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, UBR or VXUS?

Over the past year UBR returned +51.63% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so UBR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), UBR annualized -14.07% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, UBR or VXUS?

UBR has been the more volatile fund at 62.3% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: UBR -97.2% vs VXUS -39.9%.

Should I hold both UBR and VXUS?

UBR and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.62, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

Which pays a higher dividend, UBR or VXUS?

UBR yields 1.75% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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