UGL vs VXUS
ProShares Ultra Gold vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. UGL delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | UGL | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $653M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 6 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -6.35% | +15.00% | |
| 1Y Return | +48.85% | +26.87% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +54.57% | +19.79% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +30.30% | +9.26% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 33.3% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -75.9% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 1, 2008 | Jan 26, 2011 |
UGL vs VXUS Performance
ProShares Ultra Gold (UGL) is a ETF from ProShares and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year UGL returned +48.85% while VXUS returned +26.87%. Year to date, UGL is down 6.35% versus a gain of 15.00% for VXUS.
Over three years, UGL compounded at +54.57% per year against +19.79% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +30.30% and +9.26% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, UGL has the edge at +12.81% annualized vs +4.88%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
UGL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 33.3% 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 -75.9% for UGL 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 0.30. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
UGL 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, UGL currently yields 0.00% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
UGL 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, UGL or VXUS?
UGL 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, UGL or VXUS?
Over the past year UGL returned +48.85% vs +26.87% for VXUS, so UGL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), UGL annualized +12.81% vs +4.88% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, UGL or VXUS?
UGL has been the more volatile fund at 33.3% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: UGL -75.9% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both UGL and VXUS?
UGL and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.30, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between UGL and VXUS?
UGL and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7862 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, UGL or VXUS?
UGL yields 0.00% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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