SPXL vs VXUS
Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bull 3X ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. SPXL delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPXL | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.84% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $6.5B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.53% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 515 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +33.86% | +15.00% | |
| 1Y Return | +54.73% | +26.87% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +49.22% | +19.79% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +20.83% | +9.26% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 46.1% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -76.9% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 5, 2008 | Jan 26, 2011 |
SPXL vs VXUS Performance
Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bull 3X ETF (SPXL) 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 SPXL returned +54.73% while VXUS returned +26.87%. Year to date, SPXL is up 33.86% versus a gain of 15.00% for VXUS.
Over three years, SPXL compounded at +49.22% per year against +19.79% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +20.83% and +9.26% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, SPXL has the edge at +28.95% annualized vs +4.88%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPXL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 46.1% 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 -76.9% for SPXL 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 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPXL charges 0.84% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $84 vs $5 annually, a gap of $79 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPXL currently yields 0.53% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
SPXL and VXUS share 6 holdings out of 8359 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPXL or VXUS?
SPXL has an expense ratio of 0.84% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $79 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPXL or VXUS?
Over the past year SPXL returned +54.73% vs +26.87% for VXUS, so SPXL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), SPXL annualized +28.95% vs +4.88% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPXL or VXUS?
SPXL has been the more volatile fund at 46.1% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: SPXL -76.9% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both SPXL and VXUS?
SPXL and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPXL and VXUS?
SPXL and VXUS share 6 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8359 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPXL or VXUS?
SPXL yields 0.53% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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