MSTY vs VXUS
MSTY vs VXUS
YieldMax MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MSTY | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.03% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $760M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 139.35% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 21 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -32.86% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | -69.72% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 78.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -77.4% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | YieldMax ETF | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 21, 2024 | Jan 26, 2011 |
MSTY vs VXUS Performance
YieldMax MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF (MSTY) is a ETF from YieldMax ETF and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MSTY returned -69.72% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, MSTY is down 32.86% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MSTY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 78.6% 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 -77.4% for MSTY 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 0.16. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MSTY charges 1.03% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $103 vs $5 annually, a gap of $98 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MSTY currently yields 139.35% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
MSTY and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7864 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, MSTY or VXUS?
MSTY has an expense ratio of 1.03% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $98 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MSTY or VXUS?
Over the past year MSTY returned -69.72% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), MSTY annualized +7.31% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MSTY or VXUS?
MSTY has been the more volatile fund at 78.6% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: MSTY -77.4% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both MSTY and VXUS?
MSTY and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.16, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MSTY and VXUS?
MSTY and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7864 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MSTY or VXUS?
MSTY yields 139.35% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so MSTY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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