TMF vs VXUS
TMF vs VXUS
Direxion Daily 20+ Year Treasury Bull 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 | TMF | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.90% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $2.3B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.08% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 14 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -13.88% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | -15.75% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -18.84% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -34.00% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 40.7% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -93.3% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 16, 2009 | Jan 26, 2011 |
TMF vs VXUS Performance
Direxion Daily 20+ Year Treasury Bull 3X ETF (TMF) 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 TMF returned -15.75% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, TMF is down 13.88% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, TMF compounded at -18.84% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -34.00% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs -7.85%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
TMF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 40.7% 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 -93.3% for TMF 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 -0.02. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
TMF charges 0.90% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $90 vs $5 annually, a gap of $85 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, TMF currently yields 4.08% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
TMF and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7866 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, TMF or VXUS?
TMF has an expense ratio of 0.90% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $85 per year of difference.
Which performed better, TMF or VXUS?
Over the past year TMF returned -15.75% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), TMF annualized -7.85% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, TMF or VXUS?
TMF has been the more volatile fund at 40.7% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: TMF -93.3% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both TMF and VXUS?
TMF and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of -0.02, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between TMF and VXUS?
TMF and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7866 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, TMF or VXUS?
TMF yields 4.08% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so TMF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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