VRTL vs VXUS

VRTL vs VXUS

Which is better, VRTL or VXUS?

Trading-Leveraged Equity against Large Cap Blend.

VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VRTL led over 1Y, VXUS over the full window.

Lower Fees: VXUSHigher Returns: split

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

MetricVRTLVXUS
Expense Ratio1.50%0.05%Best
AUM$44M$158.1B
Dividend Yield0.00%2.51%
Holdings28,747
Volatility (annualized)122.1%15.0%Best
Max Drawdown-63.8%-39.9%Best
Fund FamilyGraniteSharesVanguard (US)
CategoryAlternativeEquity
StyleTrading-Leveraged EquityLarge Cap Blend
InceptionMar 25, 2025Jan 26, 2011

Not shown on this pair: YTD Return, 1Y Return, 3Y Return (annualized), 5Y Return (annualized), $10,000 over the window, Top 10 Weight.

The two price series end 6467 days apart, so a return over any period would be measuring two different stretches of market. Those rows are withheld. VRTL has data through Jan 2, 2009 and VXUS through Sep 17, 2026.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

VRTL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 122.1% compared with 15.0% 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 -63.8% for VRTL and -39.9% for VXUS. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.

Fees and Cost Over Time

VRTL charges 1.50% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $150 vs $5 annually, a gap of $145 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VRTL currently yields 0.00% against 2.51% for VXUS.

You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.

Whichever of VRTL and VXUS you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.

VRTLVXUS

Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, VRTL or VXUS?

VRTL has an expense ratio of 1.50% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $145 a year on a $10,000 investment.

Which is riskier, VRTL or VXUS?

VRTL has been the more volatile fund at 122.1% annualized versus 15.0% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: VRTL -63.8% vs VXUS -39.9%.

Which pays a higher dividend, VRTL or VXUS?

VRTL yields 0.00% while VXUS yields 2.51%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.

Is VXUS better than VRTL?

VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VRTL led over 1Y, VXUS over the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.