URA vs VXUS
Global X Uranium ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. URA delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | URA | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.69% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $6.3B | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.30% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 57 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -4.82% | +14.33% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.02% | +25.32% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +29.39% | +20.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +24.55% | +9.72% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 37.1% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -93.5% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Global X by mirae Asset | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 4, 2010 | Jan 26, 2011 |
URA vs VXUS Performance
Global X Uranium ETF (URA) is a ETF from Global X by mirae Asset and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year URA returned +26.02% while VXUS returned +25.32%. Year to date, URA is down 4.82% versus a gain of 14.33% for VXUS.
Over three years, URA compounded at +29.39% per year against +20.47% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +24.55% and +9.72% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.84% annualized vs -2.63%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
URA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 37.1% 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 -93.5% for URA 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 0.54. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
URA charges 0.69% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $69 vs $5 annually, a gap of $64 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, URA currently yields 5.30% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
URA and VXUS share 15 holdings out of 7899 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, URA or VXUS?
URA has an expense ratio of 0.69% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $64 per year of difference.
Which performed better, URA or VXUS?
Over the past year URA returned +26.02% vs +25.32% for VXUS, so URA leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), URA annualized -2.63% vs +4.84% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, URA or VXUS?
URA has been the more volatile fund at 37.1% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: URA -93.5% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both URA and VXUS?
URA and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.54, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between URA and VXUS?
URA and VXUS share 15 common holdings with a 0.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7899 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, URA or VXUS?
URA yields 5.30% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so URA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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