MSDD vs VXUS
GraniteShares 2x Short MSTR Daily ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, MSDD or VXUS?
Trading-Leveraged Equity against Large Cap Blend.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. MSDD led over 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 | MSDD | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.50% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $2M | $158.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.51% |
| Holdings | 1 | 8,747 |
| Volatility (annualized) | 133.8% | 13.8%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -84.9% | -11.3%Best |
| $10,000 over 1 years | $18,792Best | $13,070 |
| Fund Family | GraniteShares | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Equity |
| Style | Trading-Leveraged Equity | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Jun 9, 2025 | Jan 26, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: YTD Return, 1Y Return, 3Y Return (annualized), 5Y Return (annualized), Top 10 Weight.
The two price series end 92 days apart, so a return over any period would be measuring two different stretches of market. Those rows are withheld. MSDD has data through Jun 18, 2026 and VXUS through Sep 18, 2026.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 1 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Jun 10, 2025 to Jun 18, 2026 (1 years).
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MSDD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 133.8% compared with 13.8% 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 -84.9% for MSDD and -11.3% 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 -0.30. They move together some of the time, and apart the rest.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MSDD 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, MSDD currently yields 0.00% against 2.51% for VXUS.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of MSDD 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, MSDD or VXUS?
MSDD has an expense ratio of 1.50% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $145 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which is riskier, MSDD or VXUS?
MSDD has been the more volatile fund at 133.8% annualized versus 13.8% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: MSDD -84.9% vs VXUS -11.3%.
Should I hold both MSDD and VXUS?
MSDD and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of -0.30, 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, MSDD or VXUS?
MSDD yields 0.00% while VXUS yields 2.51%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than MSDD?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. MSDD led over the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.