DUST vs VXUS
DUST vs VXUS
Direxion Daily Gold Miners Index Bear 2X 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 | DUST | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.94% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $71M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.36% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 7 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -43.10% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | -77.82% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -66.64% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -52.88% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 89.9% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -100.0% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 8, 2010 | Jan 26, 2011 |
DUST vs VXUS Performance
Direxion Daily Gold Miners Index Bear 2X ETF (DUST) 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 DUST returned -77.82% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, DUST is down 43.10% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, DUST compounded at -66.64% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -52.88% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs -50.13%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DUST has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 89.9% 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 DUST 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 -0.26. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DUST charges 0.94% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $94 vs $5 annually, a gap of $89 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DUST currently yields 4.36% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
DUST and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7863 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, DUST or VXUS?
DUST has an expense ratio of 0.94% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $89 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DUST or VXUS?
Over the past year DUST returned -77.82% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), DUST annualized -50.13% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DUST or VXUS?
DUST has been the more volatile fund at 89.9% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: DUST -100.0% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both DUST and VXUS?
DUST and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of -0.26, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DUST and VXUS?
DUST and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7863 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DUST or VXUS?
DUST yields 4.36% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so DUST currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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