PLTU vs VXUS
Direxion Daily PLTR Bull 2X 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 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PLTU | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.97% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $519M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 63.63% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 10 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -11.06% | +15.52% | |
| 1Y Return | -8.39% | +26.73% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +20.35% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.40% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 127.1% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -79.4% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 11, 2024 | Jan 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 -8.39% while VXUS returned +26.73%. Year to date, PLTU is down 11.06% versus a gain of 15.52% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PLTU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 127.1% 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 0.03. 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 63.63% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
PLTU and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7874 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 -8.39% vs +26.73% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), PLTU annualized +79.43% vs +4.90% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PLTU or VXUS?
PLTU has been the more volatile fund at 127.1% 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 0.03, 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 7874 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PLTU or VXUS?
PLTU yields 63.63% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so PLTU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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