SPDN vs VXUS
Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bear 1X 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 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPDN | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.48% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $233M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.32% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -8.89% | +15.52% | |
| 1Y Return | -12.19% | +26.73% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -12.98% | +20.35% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -8.07% | +9.40% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -76.8% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 8, 2016 | Jan 26, 2011 |
SPDN vs VXUS Performance
Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bear 1X ETF (SPDN) 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 SPDN returned -12.19% while VXUS returned +26.73%. Year to date, SPDN is down 8.89% versus a gain of 15.52% for VXUS.
Over three years, SPDN compounded at -12.98% per year against +20.35% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -8.07% and +9.40% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.90% annualized vs -12.77%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 14.6% for SPDN. 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 -76.8% for SPDN 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 -0.81. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPDN charges 0.48% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $48 vs $5 annually, a gap of $43 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPDN currently yields 3.32% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
SPDN and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7872 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, SPDN or VXUS?
SPDN has an expense ratio of 0.48% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $43 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPDN or VXUS?
Over the past year SPDN returned -12.19% vs +26.73% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), SPDN annualized -12.77% vs +4.90% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPDN or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 14.6% for SPDN. Worst drawdown: SPDN -76.8% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both SPDN and VXUS?
SPDN and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of -0.81, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPDN and VXUS?
SPDN and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7872 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPDN or VXUS?
SPDN yields 3.32% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so SPDN currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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