BRZU vs VTI
Direxion Daily MSCI Brazil Bull 2X ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. BRZU delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BRZU | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.32% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $89M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.79% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 8 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +3.01% | +13.38% | |
| 1Y Return | +37.26% | +21.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +6.01% | +21.85% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.98% | +12.44% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 84.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -99.7% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 10, 2013 | May 24, 2001 |
BRZU vs VTI Performance
Direxion Daily MSCI Brazil Bull 2X ETF (BRZU) is a ETF from Direxion Shares ETF Trust and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BRZU returned +37.26% while VTI returned +21.12%. Year to date, BRZU is up 3.01% versus a gain of 13.38% for VTI.
Over three years, BRZU compounded at +6.01% per year against +21.85% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +0.98% and +12.44% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.10% annualized vs -31.05%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BRZU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 84.8% compared with 15.3% for VTI. 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 -99.7% for BRZU and -56.6% for VTI. 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 0.39. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BRZU charges 1.32% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $132 vs $3 annually, a gap of $129 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BRZU currently yields 1.79% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
BRZU and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2790 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, BRZU or VTI?
BRZU has an expense ratio of 1.32% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $129 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BRZU or VTI?
Over the past year BRZU returned +37.26% vs +21.12% for VTI, so BRZU leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), BRZU annualized -31.05% vs +8.10% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BRZU or VTI?
BRZU has been the more volatile fund at 84.8% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: BRZU -99.7% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both BRZU and VTI?
BRZU and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.39, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BRZU and VTI?
BRZU and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2790 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BRZU or VTI?
BRZU yields 1.79% while VTI yields 1.07%, so BRZU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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