BRZU vs VXUS
Direxion Daily MSCI Brazil Bull 2X ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. BRZU delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BRZU | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.32% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $89M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.79% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 8 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +4.68% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +43.35% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.63% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.35% | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 84.8% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -99.7% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 10, 2013 | Jan 26, 2011 |
BRZU vs VXUS Performance
Direxion Daily MSCI Brazil Bull 2X ETF (BRZU) 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 BRZU returned +43.35% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, BRZU is up 4.68% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, BRZU compounded at +5.63% per year against +20.34% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -0.35% and +9.38% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.89% annualized vs -30.99%. 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 15.1% 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 -99.7% for BRZU 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 0.56. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BRZU charges 1.32% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $132 vs $5 annually, a gap of $127 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BRZU currently yields 1.79% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
BRZU and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7872 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 VXUS?
BRZU has an expense ratio of 1.32% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $127 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BRZU or VXUS?
Over the past year BRZU returned +43.35% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so BRZU leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), BRZU annualized -30.99% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BRZU or VXUS?
BRZU has been the more volatile fund at 84.8% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: BRZU -99.7% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both BRZU and VXUS?
BRZU and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.56, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BRZU and VXUS?
BRZU and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7872 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BRZU or VXUS?
BRZU yields 1.79% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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