SPXS vs VXUS
Direxion Daily S&P 500 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 | SPXS | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.04% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $349M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.21% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 11 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -30.90% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | -44.19% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -41.86% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -33.87% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 41.5% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -100.0% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 5, 2008 | Jan 26, 2011 |
SPXS vs VXUS Performance
Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bear 3X ETF (SPXS) 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 SPXS returned -44.19% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, SPXS is down 30.90% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, SPXS compounded at -41.86% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -33.87% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs -44.21%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPXS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 41.5% 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 SPXS 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 -0.78. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
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 3.21% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
SPXS 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, SPXS or VXUS?
SPXS has an expense ratio of 1.04% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $99 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPXS or VXUS?
Over the past year SPXS returned -44.19% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), SPXS annualized -44.21% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPXS or VXUS?
SPXS has been the more volatile fund at 41.5% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: SPXS -100.0% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both SPXS and VXUS?
SPXS and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of -0.78, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPXS and VXUS?
SPXS and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7865 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPXS or VXUS?
SPXS yields 3.21% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so SPXS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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