ROM vs VXUS
ROM vs VXUS
ProShares Ultra Technology vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. ROM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ROM | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $1.1B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.06% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 90 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +52.46% | +13.40% | |
| 1Y Return | +77.35% | +27.42% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +49.43% | +18.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +22.20% | +9.05% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 41.9% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.8% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 30, 2007 | Jan 26, 2011 |
ROM vs VXUS Performance
ProShares Ultra Technology (ROM) is a ETF from ProShares and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ROM returned +77.35% while VXUS returned +27.42%. Year to date, ROM is up 52.46% versus a gain of 13.40% for VXUS.
Over three years, ROM compounded at +49.43% per year against +18.54% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +22.20% and +9.05% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, ROM has the edge at +23.99% annualized vs +4.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ROM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 41.9% 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 -83.8% for ROM 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 0.69. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ROM charges 0.95% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $95 vs $5 annually, a gap of $90 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ROM currently yields 0.06% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
ROM and VXUS share 1 holdings out of 7935 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in ROM | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| ORCL | 0.95% | 0.00% | 0.95% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ROM or VXUS?
ROM has an expense ratio of 0.95% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $90 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ROM or VXUS?
Over the past year ROM returned +77.35% vs +27.42% for VXUS, so ROM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), ROM annualized +23.99% vs +4.79% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ROM or VXUS?
ROM has been the more volatile fund at 41.9% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: ROM -83.8% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both ROM and VXUS?
ROM and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.69, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ROM and VXUS?
ROM and VXUS share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7935 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ROM or VXUS?
ROM yields 0.06% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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