VXUS vs YXI
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF vs ProShares Short FTSE China 50
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 | VXUS | YXI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.95% | |
| AUM | $156.5B | $4M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.60% | 2.35% | |
| Holdings | 8,747 | 6 | |
| YTD Return | +14.19% | +12.45% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.38% | +5.25% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.53% | -11.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.03% | -4.72% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 22.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.9% | -81.7% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | ProShares | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2011 | Mar 16, 2010 |
VXUS vs YXI Performance
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and ProShares Short FTSE China 50 (YXI) is a ETF from ProShares. Over the past year VXUS returned +27.38% while YXI returned +5.25%. Year to date, VXUS is up 14.19% versus a gain of 12.45% for YXI.
Over three years, VXUS compounded at +19.53% per year against -11.70% for YXI; over five years the annualized figures are +9.03% and -4.72% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.83% annualized vs -8.28%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
YXI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.7% 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 -81.7% for YXI. 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 -0.59. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VXUS charges 0.05% per year while YXI 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 2.35% for YXI.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VXUS or YXI?
VXUS has an expense ratio of 0.05% while YXI 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 YXI?
Over the past year VXUS returned +27.38% vs +5.25% for YXI, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), VXUS annualized +4.83% vs -8.28% for YXI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VXUS or YXI?
YXI has been the more volatile fund at 22.7% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: VXUS -39.9% vs YXI -81.7%.
Should I hold both VXUS and YXI?
VXUS and YXI have a monthly-return correlation of -0.59, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, VXUS or YXI?
VXUS yields 2.60% while YXI yields 2.35%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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