GUSH vs VXUS
Direxion Daily S&P Oil & Gas Exp. & Prod. Bull 2X ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. GUSH delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GUSH | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.94% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $222M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.54% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 58 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +55.19% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +68.06% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -1.15% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +18.52% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 103.0% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -100.0% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | May 28, 2015 | Jan 26, 2011 |
GUSH vs VXUS Performance
Direxion Daily S&P Oil & Gas Exp. & Prod. Bull 2X ETF (GUSH) 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 GUSH returned +68.06% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, GUSH is up 55.19% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, GUSH compounded at -1.15% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +18.52% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs -42.78%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GUSH has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 103.0% 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 GUSH 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 0.49. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GUSH 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, GUSH currently yields 1.54% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
GUSH and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7915 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, GUSH or VXUS?
GUSH 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, GUSH or VXUS?
Over the past year GUSH returned +68.06% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so GUSH leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), GUSH annualized -42.78% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GUSH or VXUS?
GUSH has been the more volatile fund at 103.0% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: GUSH -100.0% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both GUSH and VXUS?
GUSH and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.49, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GUSH and VXUS?
GUSH and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7915 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GUSH or VXUS?
GUSH yields 1.54% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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