VXUS vs YCS
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF vs ProShares UltraShort Yen ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VXUS | YCS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.95% | |
| AUM | $158.1B | $30M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.59% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 8,747 | 4 | |
| YTD Return | +15.52% | +7.63% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.73% | +25.33% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.35% | +15.57% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.40% | +23.68% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 19.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.9% | -49.6% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | ProShares | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2011 | Nov 24, 2008 |
VXUS vs YCS Performance
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and ProShares UltraShort Yen ETF (YCS) is a ETF from ProShares. Over the past year VXUS returned +26.73% while YCS returned +25.33%. Year to date, VXUS is up 15.52% versus a gain of 7.63% for YCS.
Over three years, VXUS compounded at +20.35% per year against +15.57% for YCS; over five years the annualized figures are +9.40% and +23.68% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, YCS has the edge at +6.45% annualized vs +4.90%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
YCS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.4% 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 -49.6% for YCS. 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 -0.14. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VXUS charges 0.05% per year while YCS 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 2.59% against 0.00% for YCS.
Holdings Overlap
VXUS and YCS share 0 holdings out of 7870 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 YCS?
VXUS has an expense ratio of 0.05% while YCS 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 YCS?
Over the past year VXUS returned +26.73% vs +25.33% for YCS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), VXUS annualized +4.90% vs +6.45% for YCS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VXUS or YCS?
YCS has been the more volatile fund at 19.4% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: VXUS -39.9% vs YCS -49.6%.
Should I hold both VXUS and YCS?
VXUS and YCS have a monthly-return correlation of -0.14, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VXUS and YCS?
VXUS and YCS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7870 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VXUS or YCS?
VXUS yields 2.59% while YCS yields 0.00%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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