UTSL vs VXUS
UTSL vs VXUS
Direxion Daily Utilities 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 | UTSL | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.97% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $41M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.55% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 40 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -3.73% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | -6.21% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.84% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.71% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 47.7% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -79.5% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | May 3, 2017 | Jan 26, 2011 |
UTSL vs VXUS Performance
Direxion Daily Utilities Bull 3X ETF (UTSL) 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 UTSL returned -6.21% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, UTSL is down 3.73% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, UTSL compounded at +21.84% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +5.71% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, UTSL has the edge at +6.38% annualized vs +4.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
UTSL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 47.7% 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 -79.5% for UTSL 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 0.50. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
UTSL charges 0.97% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $97 vs $5 annually, a gap of $92 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, UTSL currently yields 1.55% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
UTSL and VXUS share 1 holdings out of 7895 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in UTSL | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| SRE | 2.71% | 0.00% | 2.71% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, UTSL or VXUS?
UTSL has an expense ratio of 0.97% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $92 per year of difference.
Which performed better, UTSL or VXUS?
Over the past year UTSL returned -6.21% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), UTSL annualized +6.38% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, UTSL or VXUS?
UTSL has been the more volatile fund at 47.7% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: UTSL -79.5% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both UTSL and VXUS?
UTSL and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.50, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between UTSL and VXUS?
UTSL and VXUS share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7895 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, UTSL or VXUS?
UTSL yields 1.55% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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