SMU vs VXUS
Tradr 2X Long SMR Daily 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 | SMU | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.30% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $45M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 4 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -45.75% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | -95.92% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 179.1% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -98.2% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Tradr ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 10, 2025 | Jan 26, 2011 |
SMU vs VXUS Performance
Tradr 2X Long SMR Daily ETF (SMU) is a ETF from Tradr ETFs and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SMU returned -95.92% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, SMU is down 45.75% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SMU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 179.1% 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 -98.2% for SMU 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 -0.30. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SMU charges 1.30% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $130 vs $5 annually, a gap of $125 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SMU currently yields 0.00% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
SMU and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7862 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, SMU or VXUS?
SMU has an expense ratio of 1.30% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $125 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SMU or VXUS?
Over the past year SMU returned -95.92% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), SMU annualized -93.43% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SMU or VXUS?
SMU has been the more volatile fund at 179.1% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: SMU -98.2% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both SMU and VXUS?
SMU and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of -0.30, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SMU and VXUS?
SMU and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7862 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SMU or VXUS?
SMU yields 0.00% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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