AAPD vs VXUS
Direxion Daily AAPL Bear 1X ETF 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 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AAPD | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.96% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $49M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.52% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 9 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -16.19% | +14.98% | |
| 1Y Return | -27.42% | +25.63% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -17.09% | +19.65% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.9% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -63.0% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 9, 2022 | Jan 26, 2011 |
AAPD vs VXUS Performance
Direxion Daily AAPL Bear 1X ETF (AAPD) is a ETF from Direxion Shares ETF Trust and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year AAPD returned -27.42% while VXUS returned +25.63%. Year to date, AAPD is down 16.19% versus a gain of 14.98% for VXUS.
Over three years, AAPD compounded at -17.09% per year against +19.65% for VXUS. Across the full 4-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.87% annualized vs -15.92%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AAPD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.9% 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 -63.0% for AAPD 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 -0.42. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AAPD charges 0.96% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $96 vs $5 annually, a gap of $91 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AAPD currently yields 3.52% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
AAPD and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7873 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, AAPD or VXUS?
AAPD has an expense ratio of 0.96% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $91 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AAPD or VXUS?
Over the past year AAPD returned -27.42% vs +25.63% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), AAPD annualized -15.92% vs +4.87% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AAPD or VXUS?
AAPD has been the more volatile fund at 22.9% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: AAPD -63.0% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both AAPD and VXUS?
AAPD and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of -0.42, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AAPD and VXUS?
AAPD and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7873 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AAPD or VXUS?
AAPD yields 3.52% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so AAPD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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