UYG vs VXUS
UYG vs VXUS
ProShares Ultra Financials 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 | UYG | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.94% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $827M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 12.47% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 89 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +7.61% | +13.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +18.59% | +28.78% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +30.90% | +18.63% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.61% | +9.05% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 41.2% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -98.0% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 30, 2007 | Jan 26, 2011 |
UYG vs VXUS Performance
ProShares Ultra Financials (UYG) is a ETF from ProShares and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year UYG returned +18.59% while VXUS returned +28.78%. Year to date, UYG is up 7.61% versus a gain of 13.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, UYG compounded at +30.90% per year against +18.63% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +14.61% and +9.05% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.80% annualized vs +0.23%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
UYG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 41.2% 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 -98.0% for UYG 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 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
UYG charges 0.94% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $94 vs $5 annually, a gap of $89 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, UYG currently yields 12.47% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
UYG and VXUS share 1 holdings out of 7936 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 UYG | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| HBAN | 0.27% | 0.05% | 0.22% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, UYG or VXUS?
UYG has an expense ratio of 0.94% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $89 per year of difference.
Which performed better, UYG or VXUS?
Over the past year UYG returned +18.59% vs +28.78% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), UYG annualized +0.23% vs +4.80% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, UYG or VXUS?
UYG has been the more volatile fund at 41.2% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: UYG -98.0% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both UYG and VXUS?
UYG and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between UYG and VXUS?
UYG and VXUS share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7936 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, UYG or VXUS?
UYG yields 12.47% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so UYG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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