ISPY vs VXUS
ISPY vs VXUS
ProShares S&P 500 High Income ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7860 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ISPY | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.56% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $1.2B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.45% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 512 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +5.34% | +11.69% | |
| 1Y Return | +13.80% | +26.65% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.15% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +8.66% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.5% | 15.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -18.4% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 18, 2023 | Jan 26, 2011 |
ISPY vs VXUS Performance
ProShares S&P 500 High Income ETF (ISPY) is a ETF from ProShares and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ISPY returned +13.80% while VXUS returned +26.65%. Year to date, ISPY is up 5.34% versus a gain of 11.69% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ISPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.5% compared with 15.0% 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 -18.4% for ISPY 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 0.56. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ISPY charges 0.56% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $56 vs $5 annually, a gap of $51 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ISPY currently yields 4.45% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
ISPY and VXUS share 6 holdings out of 8358 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in ISPY | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| ORCL | 0.32% | 0.00% | 0.32% |
| HBAN | 0.05% | 0.05% | 0.00% |
| IRM | 0.05% | 0.05% | 0.00% |
| SRE | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| KR | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 6 holdings ISPY shares with VXUS Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ISPY or VXUS?
ISPY has an expense ratio of 0.56% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $51 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ISPY or VXUS?
Over the past year ISPY returned +13.80% vs +26.65% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), ISPY annualized +7.60% vs +4.69% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ISPY or VXUS?
ISPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.5% annualized versus 15.0% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: ISPY -18.4% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both ISPY and VXUS?
ISPY and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.56, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ISPY and VXUS?
ISPY and VXUS share 6 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8358 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ISPY or VXUS?
ISPY yields 4.45% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so ISPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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