AAPU vs VXUS
Direxion Daily AAPL Bull 2X ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, AAPU or VXUS?
Trading-Leveraged Equity against Large Cap Blend.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. AAPU led over 1Y, 3Y and the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AAPU | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.96% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $173M | $158.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 6.08% | 2.59% |
| Holdings | 11 | 8,747 |
| YTD Return | +25.47%Best | +16.15% |
| 1Y Return | +53.03%Best | +27.58% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +29.03%Best | +20.48% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.09% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 43.4% | 14.7%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -58.6% | -16.2%Best |
| $10,000 over 4.1 years | $24,453Best | $18,975 |
| Fund Family | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Equity |
| Style | Trading-Leveraged Equity | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Aug 9, 2022 | Jan 26, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 4.1 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Aug 9, 2022 to Sep 4, 2026 (4.1 years).
AAPU vs VXUS growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 4.1 years both funds cover.
AAPU vs VXUS Performance
Direxion Daily AAPL Bull 2X ETF (AAPU) is an ETF from Direxion Shares ETF Trust and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year AAPU returned +53.03% while VXUS returned +27.58%. Year to date, AAPU is up 25.47% versus a gain of 16.15% for VXUS.
Over three years, AAPU compounded at +29.03% per year against +20.48% for VXUS. Across the full 4-year window we track, AAPU has the edge at +24.37% annualized vs +16.91%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AAPU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 43.4% compared with 14.7% 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 -58.6% for AAPU and -16.2% for VXUS. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.32. They move together some of the time, and apart the rest.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AAPU 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, AAPU currently yields 6.08% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 5 holdings in AAPU and 8,094 in VXUS, totalling 100.7% and 87.7% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 5 positions we hold weights for in AAPU and 8,094 in VXUS, against full books of 11 and 8,747.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of AAPU and VXUS you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AAPU or VXUS?
AAPU has an expense ratio of 0.96% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $91 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, AAPU or VXUS?
Over the past year AAPU returned +53.03% vs +27.58% for VXUS, so AAPU leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), AAPU annualized +24.37% vs +16.91% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, AAPU or VXUS?
AAPU has been the more volatile fund at 43.4% annualized versus 14.7% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: AAPU -58.6% vs VXUS -16.2%.
Should I hold both AAPU and VXUS?
AAPU and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.32, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, AAPU or VXUS?
AAPU yields 6.08% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so AAPU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than AAPU?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. AAPU led over 1Y, 3Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.