SOXL vs VXUS
Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bull 3X ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. SOXL delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SOXL | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.75% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $18.8B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 43 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +207.71% | +15.24% | |
| 1Y Return | +396.62% | +26.32% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +85.73% | +19.85% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +27.84% | +9.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 87.9% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -90.5% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 11, 2010 | Jan 26, 2011 |
SOXL vs VXUS Performance
Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bull 3X ETF (SOXL) 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 SOXL returned +396.62% while VXUS returned +26.32%. Year to date, SOXL is up 207.71% versus a gain of 15.24% for VXUS.
Over three years, SOXL compounded at +85.73% per year against +19.85% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +27.84% and +9.23% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, SOXL has the edge at +39.06% annualized vs +4.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SOXL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 87.9% 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 -90.5% for SOXL 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 0.66. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SOXL charges 0.75% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $75 vs $5 annually, a gap of $70 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SOXL currently yields 0.00% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
SOXL and VXUS share 5 holdings out of 7888 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SOXL or VXUS?
SOXL has an expense ratio of 0.75% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $70 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SOXL or VXUS?
Over the past year SOXL returned +396.62% vs +26.32% for VXUS, so SOXL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), SOXL annualized +39.06% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SOXL or VXUS?
SOXL has been the more volatile fund at 87.9% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: SOXL -90.5% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both SOXL and VXUS?
SOXL and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.66, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SOXL and VXUS?
SOXL and VXUS share 5 common holdings with a 1.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7888 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SOXL or VXUS?
SOXL yields 0.00% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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