TUGN vs VXUS
STF Tactical Growth & Income 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 | TUGN | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $79M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 10.77% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 102 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +18.15% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.01% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.88% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.2% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -23.4% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Gateway Credit Partners | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | May 18, 2022 | Jan 26, 2011 |
TUGN vs VXUS Performance
STF Tactical Growth & Income ETF (TUGN) is a ETF from Gateway Credit Partners and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year TUGN returned +26.01% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, TUGN is up 18.15% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, TUGN compounded at +20.88% per year against +19.27% for VXUS. Across the full 4-year window we track, TUGN has the edge at +15.33% annualized vs +4.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
TUGN has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.2% 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 -23.4% for TUGN 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 0.45. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
TUGN charges 0.65% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $65 vs $5 annually, a gap of $60 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, TUGN currently yields 10.77% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
TUGN and VXUS share 6 holdings out of 7955 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, TUGN or VXUS?
TUGN has an expense ratio of 0.65% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $60 per year of difference.
Which performed better, TUGN or VXUS?
Over the past year TUGN returned +26.01% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), TUGN annualized +15.33% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, TUGN or VXUS?
TUGN has been the more volatile fund at 17.2% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: TUGN -23.4% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both TUGN and VXUS?
TUGN and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.45, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between TUGN and VXUS?
TUGN and VXUS share 6 common holdings with a 1.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7955 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, TUGN or VXUS?
TUGN yields 10.77% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so TUGN currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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