Quick Verdict

VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.

Lower Fees: VXUSHigher Returns: VXUSMore Diversified: VXUS

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricIONLVXUSWinner
Expense Ratio1.50%0.05%
AUM$47M$156.5B
Dividend Yield0.00%2.60%
Holdings28,747
YTD Return-52.44%+14.57%
1Y Return-58.36%+27.82%
3Y Return (annualized)-+19.27%
5Y Return (annualized)-+9.28%
Volatility (annualized)211.3%15.1%
Max Drawdown-93.5%-39.9%
Fund FamilyGraniteSharesVanguard (US)
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionMar 25, 2025Jan 26, 2011

IONL vs VXUS Performance

GraniteShares 2x Long IONQ Daily ETF (IONL) is a ETF from GraniteShares and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year IONL returned -58.36% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, IONL is down 52.44% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

IONL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 211.3% 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 -93.5% for IONL 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 0.58. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

IONL charges 1.50% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $150 vs $5 annually, a gap of $145 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IONL currently yields 0.00% against 2.60% for VXUS.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

IONL and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7862 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, IONL or VXUS?

IONL has an expense ratio of 1.50% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $145 per year of difference.

Which performed better, IONL or VXUS?

Over the past year IONL returned -58.36% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), IONL annualized -21.81% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, IONL or VXUS?

IONL has been the more volatile fund at 211.3% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: IONL -93.5% vs VXUS -39.9%.

Should I hold both IONL and VXUS?

IONL and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.58, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between IONL and VXUS?

IONL and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7862 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, IONL or VXUS?

IONL yields 0.00% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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