UPAR vs VXUS
UPAR Ultra Risk Parity ETF 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 | UPAR | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.68% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $59M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.46% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 140 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +5.92% | +15.00% | |
| 1Y Return | +17.61% | +26.87% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.91% | +19.79% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.26% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.0% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Rpar ETF | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 3, 2022 | Jan 26, 2011 |
UPAR vs VXUS Performance
UPAR Ultra Risk Parity ETF (UPAR) is a ETF from Rpar ETF and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year UPAR returned +17.61% while VXUS returned +26.87%. Year to date, UPAR is up 5.92% versus a gain of 15.00% for VXUS.
Over three years, UPAR compounded at +10.91% per year against +19.79% for VXUS. Across the full 5-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.88% annualized vs -1.06%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
UPAR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.6% 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 -39.0% for UPAR 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 0.92. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
UPAR charges 0.68% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $68 vs $5 annually, a gap of $63 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, UPAR currently yields 3.46% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
UPAR and VXUS share 59 holdings out of 7931 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, UPAR or VXUS?
UPAR has an expense ratio of 0.68% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $63 per year of difference.
Which performed better, UPAR or VXUS?
Over the past year UPAR returned +17.61% vs +26.87% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), UPAR annualized -1.06% vs +4.88% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, UPAR or VXUS?
UPAR has been the more volatile fund at 19.6% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: UPAR -39.0% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both UPAR and VXUS?
UPAR and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.92, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between UPAR and VXUS?
UPAR and VXUS share 59 common holdings with a 3.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7931 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, UPAR or VXUS?
UPAR yields 3.46% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so UPAR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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