PLTU vs VXUS

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

MetricPLTUVXUSWinner
Expense Ratio0.97%0.05%
AUM$374M$156.5B
Dividend Yield68.54%2.60%
Holdings98,747
YTD Return-22.97%+14.57%
1Y Return-42.58%+27.82%
3Y Return (annualized)-+19.27%
5Y Return (annualized)-+9.28%
Volatility (annualized)114.2%15.1%
Max Drawdown-79.4%-39.9%
Fund FamilyDirexion Shares ETF TrustVanguard (US)
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionDec 11, 2024Jan 26, 2011

PLTU vs VXUS Performance

Direxion Daily PLTR Bull 2X ETF (PLTU) 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 PLTU returned -42.58% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, PLTU is down 22.97% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

PLTU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 114.2% 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 -79.4% for PLTU 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 -0.02. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

PLTU charges 0.97% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $97 vs $5 annually, a gap of $92 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PLTU currently yields 68.54% against 2.60% for VXUS.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

PLTU 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, PLTU or VXUS?

PLTU has an expense ratio of 0.97% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $92 per year of difference.

Which performed better, PLTU or VXUS?

Over the past year PLTU returned -42.58% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), PLTU annualized +67.70% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, PLTU or VXUS?

PLTU has been the more volatile fund at 114.2% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: PLTU -79.4% vs VXUS -39.9%.

Should I hold both PLTU and VXUS?

PLTU and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of -0.02, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between PLTU and VXUS?

PLTU and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7866 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, PLTU or VXUS?

PLTU yields 68.54% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so PLTU currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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