VXUS vs WEBS
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF vs Direxion Daily Dow Jones Internet Bear 3X ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VXUS | WEBS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 1.07% | |
| AUM | $158.1B | $7M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.59% | 3.20% | |
| Holdings | 8,747 | 6 | |
| YTD Return | +15.52% | -33.47% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.73% | -27.91% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.35% | -51.19% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.40% | -35.39% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 65.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.9% | -99.7% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2011 | Nov 7, 2019 |
VXUS vs WEBS Performance
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Direxion Daily Dow Jones Internet Bear 3X ETF (WEBS) is a ETF from Direxion Shares ETF Trust. Over the past year VXUS returned +26.73% while WEBS returned -27.91%. Year to date, VXUS is up 15.52% versus a loss of 33.47% for WEBS.
Over three years, VXUS compounded at +20.35% per year against -51.19% for WEBS; over five years the annualized figures are +9.40% and -35.39% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.90% annualized vs -52.50%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
WEBS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 65.6% 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 -39.9% for VXUS and -99.7% for WEBS. 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 -0.55. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VXUS charges 0.05% per year while WEBS charges 1.07%. On a $10,000 position that is $5 vs $107 annually, a gap of $102 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VXUS currently yields 2.59% against 3.20% for WEBS.
Holdings Overlap
VXUS and WEBS share 0 holdings out of 7871 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, VXUS or WEBS?
VXUS has an expense ratio of 0.05% while WEBS charges 1.07%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $102 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VXUS or WEBS?
Over the past year VXUS returned +26.73% vs -27.91% for WEBS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), VXUS annualized +4.90% vs -52.50% for WEBS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VXUS or WEBS?
WEBS has been the more volatile fund at 65.6% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: VXUS -39.9% vs WEBS -99.7%.
Should I hold both VXUS and WEBS?
VXUS and WEBS have a monthly-return correlation of -0.55, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VXUS and WEBS?
VXUS and WEBS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7871 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VXUS or WEBS?
VXUS yields 2.59% while WEBS yields 3.20%, so WEBS 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.