HDGE vs VXUS
AdvisorShares Active Bear ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, HDGE or VXUS?
Opposite sides of the same exposure.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two move opposite each other, correlation -0.74, so holding both offsets the exposure while paying both fees.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | HDGE | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 3.62% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $52M | $158.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 3.99% | 2.51% |
| Holdings | 64 | 8,747 |
| YTD Return | -7.31% | +12.82%Best |
| 1Y Return | -3.12% | +19.86%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -8.93% | +19.33%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -7.85% | +9.46%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.9% | 15.0%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -94.7% | -39.9%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $6,645 | $15,714Best |
| Fund Family | Advisor Shares | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Equity |
| Style | Multi Alternative | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2011 | Jan 26, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Jan 28, 2011 to Sep 18, 2026 (15.6 years).
HDGE vs VXUS growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 15.6 years both funds cover.
HDGE vs VXUS Performance
AdvisorShares Active Bear ETF (HDGE) is an ETF from Advisor Shares and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year HDGE returned -3.12% while VXUS returned +19.86%. Year to date, HDGE is down 7.31% versus a gain of 12.82% for VXUS.
Over three years, HDGE compounded at -8.93% per year against +19.33% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -7.85% and +9.46% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.72% annualized vs -15.87%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
HDGE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.9% compared with 15.0% 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 -94.7% for HDGE and -39.9% for VXUS. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at -0.74. They move opposite each other. Holding both offsets the exposure rather than spreading it, while paying both funds' fees.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HDGE charges 3.62% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $362 vs $5 annually, a gap of $357 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HDGE currently yields 3.99% against 2.51% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 60 holdings in HDGE and 8,082 in VXUS, totalling 66.1% and 88.8% of the two funds. Neither is a share of a fund we can divide by, so no overlap percentage is shown here. Within what we can see, 3 positions appear in both.
3 positions in common, counted across the 60 positions we hold weights for in HDGE and 8,082 in VXUS, against full books of 64 and 8,747.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of HDGE and VXUS you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, HDGE or VXUS?
HDGE has an expense ratio of 3.62% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $357 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, HDGE or VXUS?
Over the past year HDGE returned -3.12% vs +19.86% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), HDGE annualized -15.87% vs +4.72% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, HDGE or VXUS?
HDGE has been the more volatile fund at 20.9% annualized versus 15.0% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: HDGE -94.7% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both HDGE and VXUS?
HDGE and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of -0.74, so they move opposite each other. Holding both offsets the exposure rather than spreading it, and pays both funds' fees on the way. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, HDGE or VXUS?
HDGE yields 3.99% while VXUS yields 2.51%, so HDGE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than HDGE?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two move opposite each other, correlation -0.74, so holding both offsets the exposure while paying both fees. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.