ULE vs VXUS

Quick Verdict

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

Lower Fees: VXUSHigher Returns: VXUSMore Diversified: VXUS

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricULEVXUSWinner
Expense Ratio0.95%0.05%
AUM$4M$156.5B
Dividend Yield0.00%2.60%
Holdings38,747
YTD Return-3.29%+14.57%
1Y Return-2.91%+27.82%
3Y Return (annualized)+2.71%+19.27%
5Y Return (annualized)-2.47%+9.28%
Volatility (annualized)18.1%15.1%
Max Drawdown-72.7%-39.9%
Fund FamilyProSharesVanguard (US)
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionNov 24, 2008Jan 26, 2011

ULE vs VXUS Performance

ProShares Ultra Euro (ULE) is a ETF from ProShares and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ULE returned -2.91% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, ULE is down 3.29% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.

Over three years, ULE compounded at +2.71% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -2.47% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs -3.85%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

ULE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.1% 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 -72.7% for ULE 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 0.59. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

ULE 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, ULE currently yields 0.00% against 2.60% for VXUS.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, ULE or VXUS?

ULE 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, ULE or VXUS?

Over the past year ULE returned -2.91% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), ULE annualized -3.85% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, ULE or VXUS?

ULE has been the more volatile fund at 18.1% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: ULE -72.7% vs VXUS -39.9%.

Should I hold both ULE and VXUS?

ULE and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.59, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

Which pays a higher dividend, ULE or VXUS?

ULE yields 0.00% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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