BTFL vs VXUS

Quick Verdict

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

Lower Fees: VXUSHigher Returns: BTFLMore Diversified: VXUS

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBTFLVXUSWinner
Expense Ratio1.31%0.05%
AUM$2M$156.5B
Dividend Yield0.00%2.60%
Holdings68,747
YTD Return+109.50%+14.57%
1Y Return+147.24%+27.82%
3Y Return (annualized)-+19.27%
5Y Return (annualized)-+9.28%
Volatility (annualized)3486232.1%15.1%
Max Drawdown-100.0%-39.9%
Fund FamilyDefiance ETFs, LLCVanguard (US)
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionDec 29, 2025Jan 26, 2011

BTFL vs VXUS Performance

Defiance Daily Target 2X Long BITF ETF (BTFL) is a ETF from Defiance ETFs, LLC and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BTFL returned +147.24% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, BTFL is up 109.50% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

BTFL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 3486232.1% 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 -100.0% for BTFL 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 0.05. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

BTFL charges 1.31% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $131 vs $5 annually, a gap of $126 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BTFL currently yields 0.00% against 2.60% for VXUS.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

BTFL and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7862 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, BTFL or VXUS?

BTFL has an expense ratio of 1.31% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $126 per year of difference.

Which performed better, BTFL or VXUS?

Over the past year BTFL returned +147.24% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so BTFL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), BTFL annualized +41.83% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, BTFL or VXUS?

BTFL has been the more volatile fund at 3486232.1% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: BTFL -100.0% vs VXUS -39.9%.

Should I hold both BTFL and VXUS?

BTFL and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.05, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between BTFL and VXUS?

BTFL and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7862 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, BTFL or VXUS?

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

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