PALU vs VXUS
Direxion Daily PANW Bull 2X ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. PALU delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PALU | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.08% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $25M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.75% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 9 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +276.21% | +14.07% | |
| 1Y Return | +298.66% | +27.24% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.14% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 134.2% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -62.2% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 26, 2025 | Jan 26, 2011 |
PALU vs VXUS Performance
Direxion Daily PANW Bull 2X ETF (PALU) is a ETF from Direxion Shares ETF Trust and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PALU returned +298.66% while VXUS returned +27.24%. Year to date, PALU is up 276.21% versus a gain of 14.07% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PALU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 134.2% 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 -62.2% for PALU 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 0.10. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PALU charges 1.08% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $108 vs $5 annually, a gap of $103 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PALU currently yields 3.75% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
PALU and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7866 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, PALU or VXUS?
PALU has an expense ratio of 1.08% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $103 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PALU or VXUS?
Over the past year PALU returned +298.66% vs +27.24% for VXUS, so PALU leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), PALU annualized +119.93% vs +4.83% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PALU or VXUS?
PALU has been the more volatile fund at 134.2% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: PALU -62.2% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both PALU and VXUS?
PALU and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.10, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PALU and VXUS?
PALU and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7866 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PALU or VXUS?
PALU yields 3.75% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so PALU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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