TZA vs VXUS
Direxion Daily Small Cap 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 | TZA | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.99% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $232M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 51.31% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 11 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -47.41% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | -65.34% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -44.26% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -32.69% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 55.9% | 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 |
TZA vs VXUS Performance
Direxion Daily Small Cap Bear 3X ETF (TZA) 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 TZA returned -65.34% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, TZA is down 47.41% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, TZA compounded at -44.26% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -32.69% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs -48.96%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
TZA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 55.9% 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 TZA 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 -0.73. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
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 51.31% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
TZA 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, TZA or VXUS?
TZA has an expense ratio of 0.99% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $94 per year of difference.
Which performed better, TZA or VXUS?
Over the past year TZA returned -65.34% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), TZA annualized -48.96% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, TZA or VXUS?
TZA has been the more volatile fund at 55.9% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: TZA -100.0% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both TZA and VXUS?
TZA and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of -0.73, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between TZA and VXUS?
TZA and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7865 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, TZA or VXUS?
TZA yields 51.31% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so TZA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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