SPXS vs VXUS
Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bear 3X ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, SPXS or VXUS?
Opposite sides of the same exposure.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two move opposite each other, correlation -0.78, so holding both offsets the exposure while paying both fees.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPXS | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.04% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $346M | $158.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 3.43% | 2.51% |
| Holdings | 11 | 8,747 |
| YTD Return | -25.97% | +13.35%Best |
| 1Y Return | -34.93% | +22.44%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -40.81% | +19.44%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -32.56% | +8.82%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 39.0% | 15.0%Best |
| Max Drawdown | - | -39.9% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $1,395 | $15,260Best |
| Fund Family | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Equity |
| Style | Trading-Inverse Equity | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Nov 5, 2008 | Jan 26, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Jan 28, 2011 to Sep 10, 2026 (15.6 years).
SPXS vs VXUS growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 15.6 years both funds cover.
SPXS vs VXUS Performance
Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bear 3X ETF (SPXS) is an ETF from Direxion Shares ETF Trust and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SPXS returned -34.93% while VXUS returned +22.44%. Year to date, SPXS is down 25.97% versus a gain of 13.35% for VXUS.
Over three years, SPXS compounded at -40.81% per year against +19.44% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -32.56% and +8.82% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.76% annualized vs -40.74%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPXS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 39.0% compared with 15.0% for VXUS. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at -0.78. They move opposite each other. Holding both offsets the exposure rather than spreading it, while paying both funds' fees.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPXS charges 1.04% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $104 vs $5 annually, a gap of $99 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPXS currently yields 3.43% against 2.51% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 3 holdings in SPXS and 8,091 in VXUS, totalling 102.1% and 87.7% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 3 positions we hold weights for in SPXS and 8,091 in VXUS, against full books of 11 and 8,747.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of SPXS and VXUS you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPXS or VXUS?
SPXS has an expense ratio of 1.04% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $99 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, SPXS or VXUS?
Over the past year SPXS returned -34.93% vs +22.44% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), SPXS annualized -40.74% vs +4.76% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, SPXS or VXUS?
SPXS has been the more volatile fund at 39.0% annualized versus 15.0% for VXUS.
Should I hold both SPXS and VXUS?
SPXS and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of -0.78, so they move opposite each other. Holding both offsets the exposure rather than spreading it, and pays both funds' fees on the way. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPXS or VXUS?
SPXS yields 3.43% while VXUS yields 2.51%, so SPXS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than SPXS?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two move opposite each other, correlation -0.78, so holding both offsets the exposure while paying both fees. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.