LABU vs VXUS
Direxion Daily S&P Biotech Bull 3X ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, LABU or VXUS?
Multi Alternative against Large Cap Blend.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. LABU led over 1Y and 3Y, VXUS over 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 | LABU | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.96% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $580M | $158.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.34% | 2.51% |
| Holdings | 165 | 8,747 |
| YTD Return | +71.31%Best | +14.49% |
| 1Y Return | +214.75%Best | +21.52% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +53.43%Best | +20.55% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -26.03% | +9.57%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 85.1% | 14.9%Best |
| Max Drawdown | - | -39.9% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $2,215 | $15,793Best |
| Fund Family | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Equity |
| Style | Multi Alternative | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | May 28, 2015 | Jan 26, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: May 28, 2015 to Sep 21, 2026 (11.3 years).
LABU 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 11.3 years both funds cover.
LABU vs VXUS Performance
Direxion Daily S&P Biotech Bull 3X ETF (LABU) is an ETF from Direxion Shares ETF Trust and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year LABU returned +214.75% while VXUS returned +21.52%. Year to date, LABU is up 71.31% versus a gain of 14.49% for VXUS.
Over three years, LABU compounded at +53.43% per year against +20.55% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -26.03% and +9.57% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +6.08% annualized vs -19.27%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
LABU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 85.1% compared with 14.9% for VXUS. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.55. They move together some of the time, and apart the rest.
Fees and Cost Over Time
LABU charges 0.96% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $96 vs $5 annually, a gap of $91 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, LABU currently yields 0.34% against 2.51% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 150 holdings in LABU and 8,082 in VXUS, totalling 90.2% 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 150 positions we hold weights for in LABU and 8,082 in VXUS, against full books of 165 and 8,747.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of LABU 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, LABU or VXUS?
LABU has an expense ratio of 0.96% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $91 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, LABU or VXUS?
Over the past year LABU returned +214.75% vs +21.52% for VXUS, so LABU leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), LABU annualized -19.27% vs +6.08% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, LABU or VXUS?
LABU has been the more volatile fund at 85.1% annualized versus 14.9% for VXUS.
Should I hold both LABU and VXUS?
LABU and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.55, 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, LABU or VXUS?
LABU yields 0.34% while VXUS yields 2.51%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than LABU?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. LABU led over 1Y and 3Y, VXUS over 5Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.