VRTL vs VXUS

Quick Verdict

VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.

Lower Fees: VXUSHigher Returns: VXUSMore Diversified: VXUS

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricVRTLVXUSWinner
Expense Ratio1.50%0.05%
AUM$52M$156.5B
Dividend Yield0.00%2.60%
Holdings28,747
YTD Return-+14.57%
1Y Return-41.38%+27.82%
3Y Return (annualized)-+19.27%
5Y Return (annualized)-+9.28%
Volatility (annualized)122.1%15.1%
Max Drawdown-63.8%-39.9%
Fund FamilyGraniteSharesVanguard (US)
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionMar 25, 2025Jan 26, 2011

VRTL vs VXUS Performance

GraniteShares 2x Long VRT Daily ETF (VRTL) is a ETF from GraniteShares and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VRTL returned -41.38% while VXUS returned +27.82%.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

VRTL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 122.1% 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 -63.8% for VRTL and -39.9% for VXUS. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.

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 2.60% for VXUS.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

VRTL and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7862 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, VRTL or VXUS?

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

Which performed better, VRTL or VXUS?

Over the past year VRTL returned -41.38% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), VRTL annualized -41.32% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, VRTL or VXUS?

VRTL has been the more volatile fund at 122.1% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: VRTL -63.8% vs VXUS -39.9%.

What is the holdings overlap between VRTL and VXUS?

VRTL and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7862 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, VRTL or VXUS?

VRTL yields 0.00% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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