SOXS vs VXUS
Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bear 3X 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 | SOXS | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.00% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $1.7B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 131.11% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 12 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -91.62% | +14.07% | |
| 1Y Return | -96.85% | +27.24% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -86.74% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -79.25% | +9.14% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 72.9% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -100.0% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 11, 2010 | Jan 26, 2011 |
SOXS vs VXUS Performance
Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bear 3X ETF (SOXS) 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 SOXS returned -96.85% while VXUS returned +27.24%. Year to date, SOXS is down 91.62% versus a gain of 14.07% for VXUS.
Over three years, SOXS compounded at -86.74% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -79.25% and +9.14% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.83% annualized vs -71.05%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SOXS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 72.9% 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 -100.0% for SOXS 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 -0.62. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SOXS charges 1.00% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $100 vs $5 annually, a gap of $95 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SOXS currently yields 131.11% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
SOXS and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7865 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, SOXS or VXUS?
SOXS has an expense ratio of 1.00% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $95 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SOXS or VXUS?
Over the past year SOXS returned -96.85% vs +27.24% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), SOXS annualized -71.05% vs +4.83% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SOXS or VXUS?
SOXS has been the more volatile fund at 72.9% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: SOXS -100.0% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both SOXS and VXUS?
SOXS and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of -0.62, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SOXS and VXUS?
SOXS and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7865 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SOXS or VXUS?
SOXS yields 131.11% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so SOXS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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