UPRO vs VXUS
UPRO vs VXUS
ProShares UltraPro S&P 500 vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. UPRO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7860 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | UPRO | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.89% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $5.1B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.37% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 520 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +20.59% | +11.13% | |
| 1Y Return | +44.86% | +27.13% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +40.03% | +17.24% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +18.44% | +8.71% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 44.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -76.8% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 23, 2009 | Jan 26, 2011 |
UPRO vs VXUS Performance
ProShares UltraPro S&P 500 (UPRO) is a ETF from ProShares and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year UPRO returned +44.86% while VXUS returned +27.13%. Year to date, UPRO is up 20.59% versus a gain of 11.13% for VXUS.
Over three years, UPRO compounded at +40.03% per year against +17.24% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +18.44% and +8.71% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, UPRO has the edge at +32.20% annualized vs +4.66%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
UPRO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 44.6% 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 -76.8% for UPRO 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
UPRO charges 0.89% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $89 vs $5 annually, a gap of $84 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, UPRO currently yields 0.37% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
UPRO 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 UPRO | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| ORCL | 0.17% | 0.00% | 0.17% |
| HBAN | 0.03% | 0.05% | 0.02% |
| IRM | 0.02% | 0.05% | 0.03% |
| SRE | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| KR | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 6 holdings UPRO 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, UPRO or VXUS?
UPRO has an expense ratio of 0.89% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $84 per year of difference.
Which performed better, UPRO or VXUS?
Over the past year UPRO returned +44.86% vs +27.13% for VXUS, so UPRO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), UPRO annualized +32.20% vs +4.66% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, UPRO or VXUS?
UPRO has been the more volatile fund at 44.6% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: UPRO -76.8% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both UPRO and VXUS?
UPRO 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 UPRO and VXUS?
UPRO and VXUS share 6 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8358 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, UPRO or VXUS?
UPRO yields 0.37% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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