HNDL 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

MetricHNDLVXUSWinner
Expense Ratio0.95%0.05%
AUM$631M$156.5B
Dividend Yield6.84%2.60%
Holdings268,747
YTD Return+7.39%+13.57%
1Y Return+11.59%+28.78%
3Y Return (annualized)+11.63%+18.63%
5Y Return (annualized)+4.62%+9.05%
Volatility (annualized)10.9%15.1%
Max Drawdown-23.7%-39.9%
Fund FamilySTRATEGY SHARESVanguard (US)
CategoryAllocation/BalancedEquity
InceptionJan 17, 2018Jan 26, 2011

HNDL vs VXUS Performance

Strategy Shares Nasdaq 7 HANDL Index ETF (HNDL) is a ETF from STRATEGY SHARES and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year HNDL returned +11.59% while VXUS returned +28.78%. Year to date, HNDL is up 7.39% versus a gain of 13.57% for VXUS.

Over three years, HNDL compounded at +11.63% per year against +18.63% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +4.62% and +9.05% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.80% annualized vs +3.45%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 10.9% for HNDL. 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 -23.7% for HNDL 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 0.83. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

HNDL charges 0.95% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $95 vs $5 annually, a gap of $90 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HNDL currently yields 6.84% against 2.60% for VXUS.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

HNDL and VXUS share 1 holdings out of 7879 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in HNDLWeight in VXUSDifference
VIG6.11%0.01%6.10%

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, HNDL or VXUS?

HNDL has an expense ratio of 0.95% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $90 per year of difference.

Which performed better, HNDL or VXUS?

Over the past year HNDL returned +11.59% vs +28.78% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), HNDL annualized +3.45% vs +4.80% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, HNDL or VXUS?

VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 10.9% for HNDL. Worst drawdown: HNDL -23.7% vs VXUS -39.9%.

Should I hold both HNDL and VXUS?

HNDL and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.83, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between HNDL and VXUS?

HNDL and VXUS share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7879 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, HNDL or VXUS?

HNDL yields 6.84% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so HNDL currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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