DRN vs VXUS
DRN vs VXUS
Direxion Daily Real Estate Bull 3X ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DRN | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.96% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $49M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.97% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 36 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +31.40% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.18% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +9.02% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -12.01% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 53.3% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -86.3% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 16, 2009 | Jan 26, 2011 |
DRN vs VXUS Performance
Direxion Daily Real Estate Bull 3X ETF (DRN) 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 DRN returned +19.18% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, DRN is up 31.40% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, DRN compounded at +9.02% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -12.01% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, DRN has the edge at +11.81% annualized vs +4.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DRN has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 53.3% 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 -86.3% for DRN 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 0.67. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DRN charges 0.96% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $96 vs $5 annually, a gap of $91 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DRN currently yields 1.97% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
DRN and VXUS share 1 holdings out of 7893 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in DRN | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| IRM | 2.79% | 0.05% | 2.74% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DRN or VXUS?
DRN has an expense ratio of 0.96% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $91 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DRN or VXUS?
Over the past year DRN returned +19.18% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), DRN annualized +11.81% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DRN or VXUS?
DRN has been the more volatile fund at 53.3% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: DRN -86.3% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both DRN and VXUS?
DRN and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.67, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DRN and VXUS?
DRN and VXUS share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7893 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DRN or VXUS?
DRN yields 1.97% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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