VXUS vs XPP

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

MetricVXUSXPPWinner
Expense Ratio0.05%0.95%
AUM$156.5B$9M
Dividend Yield2.60%3.19%
Holdings8,7477
YTD Return+14.57%-21.21%
1Y Return+27.82%-13.76%
3Y Return (annualized)+19.27%+5.90%
5Y Return (annualized)+9.28%-15.45%
Volatility (annualized)15.1%46.9%
Max Drawdown-39.9%-90.5%
Fund FamilyVanguard (US)ProShares
CategoryEquityAlternative
InceptionJan 26, 2011Jun 4, 2009

VXUS vs XPP Performance

Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and ProShares Ultra FTSE China 50 (XPP) is a ETF from ProShares. Over the past year VXUS returned +27.82% while XPP returned -13.76%. Year to date, VXUS is up 14.57% versus a loss of 21.21% for XPP.

Over three years, VXUS compounded at +19.27% per year against +5.90% for XPP; over five years the annualized figures are +9.28% and -15.45% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs -5.24%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

XPP has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 46.9% 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 -39.9% for VXUS and -90.5% for XPP. 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 0.61. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

VXUS charges 0.05% per year while XPP charges 0.95%. On a $10,000 position that is $5 vs $95 annually, a gap of $90 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VXUS currently yields 2.60% against 3.19% for XPP.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

VXUS and XPP share 0 holdings out of 7862 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, VXUS or XPP?

VXUS has an expense ratio of 0.05% while XPP charges 0.95%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $90 per year of difference.

Which performed better, VXUS or XPP?

Over the past year VXUS returned +27.82% vs -13.76% for XPP, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), VXUS annualized +4.86% vs -5.24% for XPP. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, VXUS or XPP?

XPP has been the more volatile fund at 46.9% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: VXUS -39.9% vs XPP -90.5%.

Should I hold both VXUS and XPP?

VXUS and XPP have a monthly-return correlation of 0.61, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between VXUS and XPP?

VXUS and XPP share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7862 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, VXUS or XPP?

VXUS yields 2.60% while XPP yields 3.19%, so XPP currently pays the higher dividend yield.

Get Full ETF Analytics

Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.

See inside every ETF you own
$29/moCancel anytime.
Try FundXLS →