URTY vs VXUS
ProShares UltraPro Russell2000 vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. URTY delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | URTY | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $358M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.80% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 1,996 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +55.89% | +15.23% | |
| 1Y Return | +95.91% | +26.78% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +31.36% | +20.86% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -2.65% | +9.66% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 59.5% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -88.2% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 9, 2010 | Jan 26, 2011 |
URTY vs VXUS Performance
ProShares UltraPro Russell2000 (URTY) is a ETF from ProShares and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year URTY returned +95.91% while VXUS returned +26.78%. Year to date, URTY is up 55.89% versus a gain of 15.23% for VXUS.
Over three years, URTY compounded at +31.36% per year against +20.86% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -2.65% and +9.66% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, URTY has the edge at +13.77% annualized vs +4.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
URTY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 59.5% 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 -88.2% for URTY 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 0.76. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
URTY 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, URTY currently yields 0.80% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
URTY and VXUS share 19 holdings out of 9817 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, URTY or VXUS?
URTY 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, URTY or VXUS?
Over the past year URTY returned +95.91% vs +26.78% for VXUS, so URTY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), URTY annualized +13.77% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, URTY or VXUS?
URTY has been the more volatile fund at 59.5% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: URTY -88.2% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both URTY and VXUS?
URTY and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.76, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between URTY and VXUS?
URTY and VXUS share 19 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 9817 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, URTY or VXUS?
URTY yields 0.80% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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