APPX vs VXUS

Quick Verdict

VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.

Lower Fees: VXUSHigher Returns: VXUSMore Diversified: VXUS

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAPPXVXUSWinner
Expense Ratio1.30%0.05%
AUM$65M$156.5B
Dividend Yield0.00%2.60%
Holdings108,747
YTD Return-45.49%+14.57%
1Y Return-8.37%+27.82%
3Y Return (annualized)+68.65%+19.27%
5Y Return (annualized)+68.65%+9.28%
Volatility (annualized)165.8%15.1%
Max Drawdown-81.4%-39.9%
Fund FamilyTradr ETFsVanguard (US)
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionApr 24, 2025Jan 26, 2011

APPX vs VXUS Performance

Tradr 2X Long APP Daily ETF (APPX) is a ETF from Tradr ETFs and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year APPX returned -8.37% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, APPX is down 45.49% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.

Over three years, APPX compounded at +68.65% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +68.65% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, APPX has the edge at +7.59% annualized vs +4.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

APPX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 165.8% 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 -81.4% for APPX 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 -0.25. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

APPX charges 1.30% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $130 vs $5 annually, a gap of $125 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, APPX currently yields 0.00% against 2.60% for VXUS.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, APPX or VXUS?

APPX has an expense ratio of 1.30% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $125 per year of difference.

Which performed better, APPX or VXUS?

Over the past year APPX returned -8.37% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), APPX annualized +7.59% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, APPX or VXUS?

APPX has been the more volatile fund at 165.8% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: APPX -81.4% vs VXUS -39.9%.

Should I hold both APPX and VXUS?

APPX and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of -0.25, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

Which pays a higher dividend, APPX or VXUS?

APPX yields 0.00% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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