USD vs VXUS
USD vs VXUS
ProShares Ultra Semiconductors vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. USD delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7860 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | USD | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $2.5B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.29% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 51 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +66.19% | +13.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +112.45% | +28.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +101.17% | +18.64% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +57.83% | +9.00% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 54.5% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -89.3% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 30, 2007 | Jan 26, 2011 |
USD vs VXUS Performance
ProShares Ultra Semiconductors (USD) is a ETF from ProShares and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year USD returned +112.45% while VXUS returned +28.53%. Year to date, USD is up 66.19% versus a gain of 13.65% for VXUS.
Over three years, USD compounded at +101.17% per year against +18.64% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +57.83% and +9.00% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, USD has the edge at +28.05% annualized vs +4.81%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
USD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 54.5% 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 -89.3% for USD 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 0.63. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
USD 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, USD currently yields 0.29% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
USD and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7897 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, USD or VXUS?
USD 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, USD or VXUS?
Over the past year USD returned +112.45% vs +28.53% for VXUS, so USD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), USD annualized +28.05% vs +4.81% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, USD or VXUS?
USD has been the more volatile fund at 54.5% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: USD -89.3% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both USD and VXUS?
USD and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.63, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between USD and VXUS?
USD and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7897 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, USD or VXUS?
USD yields 0.29% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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