VXUS vs ZSL
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF vs ProShares UltraShort Silver
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 | ZSL | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.95% | |
| AUM | $156.5B | $67M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.60% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 8,747 | 6 | |
| YTD Return | +14.19% | -51.49% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.38% | -89.54% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.53% | -80.58% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.03% | -64.73% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 62.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.9% | -100.0% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | ProShares | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2011 | Dec 1, 2008 |
VXUS vs ZSL Performance
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and ProShares UltraShort Silver (ZSL) is a ETF from ProShares. Over the past year VXUS returned +27.38% while ZSL returned -89.54%. Year to date, VXUS is up 14.19% versus a loss of 51.49% for ZSL.
Over three years, VXUS compounded at +19.53% per year against -80.58% for ZSL; over five years the annualized figures are +9.03% and -64.73% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.83% annualized vs -46.72%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ZSL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 62.9% 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 -100.0% for ZSL. 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 -0.43. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VXUS charges 0.05% per year while ZSL 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 0.00% for ZSL.
Holdings Overlap
VXUS and ZSL 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 ZSL?
VXUS has an expense ratio of 0.05% while ZSL 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 ZSL?
Over the past year VXUS returned +27.38% vs -89.54% for ZSL, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), VXUS annualized +4.83% vs -46.72% for ZSL. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VXUS or ZSL?
ZSL has been the more volatile fund at 62.9% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: VXUS -39.9% vs ZSL -100.0%.
Should I hold both VXUS and ZSL?
VXUS and ZSL have a monthly-return correlation of -0.43, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VXUS and ZSL?
VXUS and ZSL share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7862 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VXUS or ZSL?
VXUS yields 2.60% while ZSL yields 0.00%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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