FAS vs VXUS
FAS vs VXUS
Direxion Daily Financial 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 7860 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FAS | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.88% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $2.4B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 9.50% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 88 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +9.22% | +13.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +25.61% | +28.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +41.63% | +18.64% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.53% | +9.00% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 57.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -94.8% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 6, 2008 | Jan 26, 2011 |
FAS vs VXUS Performance
Direxion Daily Financial Bull 3X ETF (FAS) 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 FAS returned +25.61% while VXUS returned +28.53%. Year to date, FAS is up 9.22% versus a gain of 13.65% for VXUS.
Over three years, FAS compounded at +41.63% per year against +18.64% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +13.53% and +9.00% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, FAS has the edge at +11.11% annualized vs +4.81%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FAS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 57.6% 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 -94.8% for FAS 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 0.74. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FAS charges 0.88% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $88 vs $5 annually, a gap of $83 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FAS currently yields 9.50% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
FAS and VXUS share 1 holdings out of 7939 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in FAS | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| HBAN | 0.33% | 0.05% | 0.28% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FAS or VXUS?
FAS has an expense ratio of 0.88% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $83 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FAS or VXUS?
Over the past year FAS returned +25.61% vs +28.53% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), FAS annualized +11.11% vs +4.81% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FAS or VXUS?
FAS has been the more volatile fund at 57.6% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: FAS -94.8% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both FAS and VXUS?
FAS and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.74, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FAS and VXUS?
FAS and VXUS share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7939 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FAS or VXUS?
FAS yields 9.50% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so FAS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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