TZA vs VXUS
Direxion Daily Small Cap Bear 3X ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, TZA 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 -0.73, 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 | TZA | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.99% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $250M | $158.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 4.79% | 2.51% |
| Holdings | 11 | 8,747 |
| YTD Return | -39.31% | +13.35%Best |
| 1Y Return | -49.88% | +22.44%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -44.32% | +19.44%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -30.54% | +8.82%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 53.0% | 15.0%Best |
| Max Drawdown | - | -39.9% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $1,617 | $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).
TZA 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.
TZA vs VXUS Performance
Direxion Daily Small Cap Bear 3X ETF (TZA) 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 TZA returned -49.88% while VXUS returned +22.44%. Year to date, TZA is down 39.31% versus a gain of 13.35% for VXUS.
Over three years, TZA compounded at -44.32% per year against +19.44% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -30.54% and +8.82% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.76% annualized vs -42.75%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
TZA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 53.0% 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 -0.73. They move opposite each other. Holding both offsets the exposure rather than spreading it, while paying both funds' fees.
Fees and Cost Over Time
TZA charges 0.99% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $99 vs $5 annually, a gap of $94 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, TZA currently yields 4.79% against 2.51% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 3 holdings in TZA and 8,091 in VXUS, totalling 114.0% 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 TZA and 8,091 in VXUS, against full books of 11 and 8,747.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of TZA 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, TZA or VXUS?
TZA has an expense ratio of 0.99% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $94 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, TZA or VXUS?
Over the past year TZA returned -49.88% vs +22.44% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), TZA annualized -42.75% vs +4.76% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, TZA or VXUS?
TZA has been the more volatile fund at 53.0% annualized versus 15.0% for VXUS.
Should I hold both TZA and VXUS?
TZA and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of -0.73, 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, TZA or VXUS?
TZA yields 4.79% while VXUS yields 2.51%, so TZA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than TZA?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two move opposite each other, correlation -0.73, 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.