HNDL vs VXUS
Strategy Shares Nasdaq 7 HANDL Index ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, HNDL or VXUS?
Allocation/Balanced against Large Cap Blend.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window.
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 | HNDL | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $630M | $158.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 7.00% | 2.51% |
| Holdings | 26 | 8,747 |
| YTD Return | +4.46% | +13.03%Best |
| 1Y Return | +5.72% | +20.20%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.92% | +19.23%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.93% | +8.73%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.9%Best | 15.8% |
| Max Drawdown | -23.7%Best | -39.9% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $12,126 | $15,197Best |
| Fund Family | STRATEGY SHARES | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity |
| Style | Allocation/Balanced | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Jan 17, 2018 | Jan 26, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Jan 17, 2018 to Sep 14, 2026 (8.7 years).
HNDL 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 8.7 years both funds cover.
HNDL vs VXUS Performance
Strategy Shares Nasdaq 7 HANDL Index ETF (HNDL) is an ETF from STRATEGY SHARES and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year HNDL returned +5.72% while VXUS returned +20.20%. Year to date, HNDL is up 4.46% versus a gain of 13.03% for VXUS.
Over three years, HNDL compounded at +10.92% per year against +19.23% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +3.93% and +8.73% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +6.33% annualized vs +3.08%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.8% compared with 10.9% for HNDL. 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 -23.7% for HNDL 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 0.83. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HNDL charges 0.95% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $95 vs $5 annually, a gap of $90 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HNDL currently yields 7.00% against 2.51% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 19 holdings in HNDL and 8,082 in VXUS, totalling 98.0% and 88.8% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 19 positions we hold weights for in HNDL and 8,082 in VXUS, against full books of 26 and 8,747.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of HNDL 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, HNDL or VXUS?
HNDL has an expense ratio of 0.95% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $90 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, HNDL or VXUS?
Over the past year HNDL returned +5.72% vs +20.20% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), HNDL annualized +3.08% vs +6.33% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, HNDL or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.8% annualized versus 10.9% for HNDL. Worst drawdown: HNDL -23.7% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both HNDL and VXUS?
HNDL and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.83, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, HNDL or VXUS?
HNDL yields 7.00% while VXUS yields 2.51%, so HNDL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than HNDL?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.