HDGE vs VXUS

Quick Verdict

VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7860 holdings.

Lower Fees: VXUSHigher Returns: VXUSMore Diversified: VXUS

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricHDGEVXUSWinner
Expense Ratio3.62%0.05%
AUM$59M$156.5B
Dividend Yield3.39%2.60%
Holdings508,747
YTD Return-10.07%+13.65%
1Y Return-11.92%+28.53%
3Y Return (annualized)-7.40%+18.64%
5Y Return (annualized)-7.41%+9.00%
Volatility (annualized)20.8%15.1%
Max Drawdown-94.5%-39.9%
Fund FamilyAdvisor SharesVanguard (US)
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionJan 26, 2011Jan 26, 2011

HDGE vs VXUS Performance

AdvisorShares Ranger Equity Bear ETF (HDGE) is a ETF from Advisor Shares and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year HDGE returned -11.92% while VXUS returned +28.53%. Year to date, HDGE is down 10.07% versus a gain of 13.65% for VXUS.

Over three years, HDGE compounded at -7.40% per year against +18.64% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -7.41% and +9.00% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.81% annualized vs -16.02%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

HDGE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.8% 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 -94.5% for HDGE 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 move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

HDGE charges 3.62% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $362 vs $5 annually, a gap of $357 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HDGE currently yields 3.39% against 2.60% for VXUS.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

HDGE and VXUS share 3 holdings out of 7919 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in HDGEWeight in VXUSDifference
TRI:CA-1.42%0.03%1.45%
ABG:AU-1.78%0.03%1.81%
SIG:LN-2.16%0.02%2.18%

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, HDGE or VXUS?

HDGE has an expense ratio of 3.62% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $357 per year of difference.

Which performed better, HDGE or VXUS?

Over the past year HDGE returned -11.92% vs +28.53% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), HDGE annualized -16.02% vs +4.81% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, HDGE or VXUS?

HDGE has been the more volatile fund at 20.8% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: HDGE -94.5% vs VXUS -39.9%.

Should I hold both HDGE and VXUS?

HDGE 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 HDGE and VXUS?

HDGE and VXUS share 3 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7919 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, HDGE or VXUS?

HDGE yields 3.39% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so HDGE currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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