UPW vs VXUS
UPW vs VXUS
ProShares Ultra Utilities 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 | UPW | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $18M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.41% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 37 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -0.58% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | -1.17% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.05% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.80% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 29.8% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -79.5% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 30, 2007 | Jan 26, 2011 |
UPW vs VXUS Performance
ProShares Ultra Utilities (UPW) is a ETF from ProShares and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year UPW returned -1.17% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, UPW is down 0.58% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, UPW compounded at +18.05% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +7.80% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, UPW has the edge at +7.45% annualized vs +4.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
UPW has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 29.8% 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 -79.5% for UPW 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 0.40. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
UPW 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, UPW currently yields 1.41% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
UPW and VXUS share 1 holdings out of 7891 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in UPW | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| SRE | 3.02% | 0.00% | 3.02% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, UPW or VXUS?
UPW 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, UPW or VXUS?
Over the past year UPW returned -1.17% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), UPW annualized +7.45% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, UPW or VXUS?
UPW has been the more volatile fund at 29.8% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: UPW -79.5% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both UPW and VXUS?
UPW and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.40, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between UPW and VXUS?
UPW and VXUS share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7891 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, UPW or VXUS?
UPW yields 1.41% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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