VSTL vs VXUS
Defiance Daily Target 2X Long VST 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 | VSTL | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.29% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $8M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 11 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -45.48% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | -69.49% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 44.0% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -72.0% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Defiance ETFs, LLC | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 21, 2025 | Jan 26, 2011 |
VSTL vs VXUS Performance
Defiance Daily Target 2X Long VST ETF (VSTL) is a ETF from Defiance ETFs, LLC and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VSTL returned -69.49% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, VSTL is down 45.48% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VSTL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 44.0% 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 -72.0% for VSTL 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 0.66. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VSTL charges 1.29% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $129 vs $5 annually, a gap of $124 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VSTL currently yields 0.00% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
VSTL and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7863 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, VSTL or VXUS?
VSTL has an expense ratio of 1.29% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $124 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VSTL or VXUS?
Over the past year VSTL returned -69.49% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), VSTL annualized -62.99% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VSTL or VXUS?
VSTL has been the more volatile fund at 44.0% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: VSTL -72.0% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both VSTL and VXUS?
VSTL and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.66, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VSTL and VXUS?
VSTL and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7863 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VSTL or VXUS?
VSTL yields 0.00% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.