CHAU vs VTI

CHAU vs VTI
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Quick Verdict

VTI has a lower expense ratio. CHAU delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.

Lower Fees: VTIHigher Returns: CHAUMore Diversified: VTI

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricCHAUVTIWinner
Expense Ratio1.19%0.03%
AUM$97M$666.9B
Dividend Yield2.09%1.07%
Holdings103,543
YTD Return+0.79%+12.65%
1Y Return+24.20%+21.39%
3Y Return (annualized)+11.79%+21.54%
5Y Return (annualized)-8.25%+12.11%
Volatility (annualized)45.6%15.3%
Max Drawdown-79.7%-56.6%
Fund FamilyDirexion Shares ETF TrustVanguard (US)
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionApr 16, 2015May 24, 2001

CHAU vs VTI Performance

Direxion Daily CSI 300 China A Share Bull 2X ETF (CHAU) 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 CHAU returned +24.20% while VTI returned +21.39%. Year to date, CHAU is up 0.79% versus a gain of 12.65% for VTI.

Over three years, CHAU compounded at +11.79% per year against +21.54% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are -8.25% and +12.11% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.07% annualized vs -5.14%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

CHAU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 45.6% 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 -79.7% for CHAU 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 0.42. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

CHAU charges 1.19% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $119 vs $3 annually, a gap of $116 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CHAU currently yields 2.09% against 1.07% for VTI.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

CHAU and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2792 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, CHAU or VTI?

CHAU has an expense ratio of 1.19% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $116 per year of difference.

Which performed better, CHAU or VTI?

Over the past year CHAU returned +24.20% vs +21.39% for VTI, so CHAU leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), CHAU annualized -5.14% vs +8.07% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, CHAU or VTI?

CHAU has been the more volatile fund at 45.6% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: CHAU -79.7% vs VTI -56.6%.

Should I hold both CHAU and VTI?

CHAU and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.42, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between CHAU and VTI?

CHAU and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2792 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, CHAU or VTI?

CHAU yields 2.09% while VTI yields 1.07%, so CHAU currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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