SPCL vs VXUS
SPCL vs VXUS
Defiance Daily 2X Space 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 | SPCL | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.31% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $15M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 1 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -0.16% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | -0.16% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5914283.0% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -100.0% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Defiance ETFs, LLC | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 7, 2026 | Jan 26, 2011 |
SPCL vs VXUS Performance
Defiance Daily 2X Space ETF (SPCL) is a ETF from Defiance ETFs, LLC and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SPCL returned -0.16% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, SPCL is down 0.16% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPCL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 5914283.0% 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 SPCL 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 0.29. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPCL charges 1.31% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $131 vs $5 annually, a gap of $126 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPCL currently yields 0.00% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
SPCL 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, SPCL or VXUS?
SPCL has an expense ratio of 1.31% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $126 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPCL or VXUS?
Over the past year SPCL returned -0.16% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), SPCL annualized +36.12% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPCL or VXUS?
SPCL has been the more volatile fund at 5914283.0% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: SPCL -100.0% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both SPCL and VXUS?
SPCL and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.29, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPCL and VXUS?
SPCL and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7862 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPCL or VXUS?
SPCL yields 0.00% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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