RKLX vs VXUS
Defiance Daily Target 2X Long RKLB 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 | RKLX | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.29% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $158M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 13.35% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 11 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -48.29% | +14.19% | |
| 1Y Return | -16.29% | +27.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.53% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.03% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 210.9% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -88.1% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Defiance ETFs, LLC | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 12, 2025 | Jan 26, 2011 |
RKLX vs VXUS Performance
Defiance Daily Target 2X Long RKLB ETF (RKLX) is a ETF from Defiance ETFs, LLC and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year RKLX returned -16.29% while VXUS returned +27.38%. Year to date, RKLX is down 48.29% versus a gain of 14.19% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
RKLX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 210.9% 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 -88.1% for RKLX 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 0.37. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RKLX charges 1.29% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $129 vs $5 annually, a gap of $124 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RKLX currently yields 13.35% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
RKLX and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7863 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, RKLX or VXUS?
RKLX has an expense ratio of 1.29% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $124 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RKLX or VXUS?
Over the past year RKLX returned -16.29% vs +27.38% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), RKLX annualized +162.94% vs +4.83% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RKLX or VXUS?
RKLX has been the more volatile fund at 210.9% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: RKLX -88.1% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both RKLX and VXUS?
RKLX and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.37, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between RKLX and VXUS?
RKLX and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7863 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RKLX or VXUS?
RKLX yields 13.35% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so RKLX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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