SSO vs VXUS
SSO vs VXUS
ProShares Ultra S&P500 vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. SSO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7860 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SSO | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.87% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $7.7B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.67% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 521 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +19.15% | +11.69% | |
| 1Y Return | +37.21% | +26.65% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +33.86% | +18.15% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +17.49% | +8.66% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 31.1% | 15.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -85.5% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 19, 2006 | Jan 26, 2011 |
SSO vs VXUS Performance
ProShares Ultra S&P500 (SSO) is a ETF from ProShares and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SSO returned +37.21% while VXUS returned +26.65%. Year to date, SSO is up 19.15% versus a gain of 11.69% for VXUS.
Over three years, SSO compounded at +33.86% per year against +18.15% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +17.49% and +8.66% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, SSO has the edge at +14.72% annualized vs +4.69%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SSO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 31.1% 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 -85.5% for SSO 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 0.83. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SSO charges 0.87% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $87 vs $5 annually, a gap of $82 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SSO currently yields 0.67% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
SSO 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 SSO | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| ORCL | 0.26% | 0.00% | 0.26% |
| HBAN | 0.04% | 0.05% | 0.01% |
| IRM | 0.04% | 0.05% | 0.01% |
| SRE | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| KR | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 6 holdings SSO 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, SSO or VXUS?
SSO has an expense ratio of 0.87% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $82 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SSO or VXUS?
Over the past year SSO returned +37.21% vs +26.65% for VXUS, so SSO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), SSO annualized +14.72% vs +4.69% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SSO or VXUS?
SSO has been the more volatile fund at 31.1% annualized versus 15.0% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: SSO -85.5% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both SSO and VXUS?
SSO and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.83, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SSO and VXUS?
SSO and VXUS share 6 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8358 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SSO or VXUS?
SSO yields 0.67% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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