SPUU vs VXUS
SPUU vs VXUS
Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bull 2X ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. SPUU delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7860 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPUU | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $248M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.34% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 510 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +16.16% | +11.13% | |
| 1Y Return | +33.51% | +27.13% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +31.33% | +17.24% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +17.83% | +8.71% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.5% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -59.4% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | May 28, 2014 | Jan 26, 2011 |
SPUU vs VXUS Performance
Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bull 2X ETF (SPUU) 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 SPUU returned +33.51% while VXUS returned +27.13%. Year to date, SPUU is up 16.16% versus a gain of 11.13% for VXUS.
Over three years, SPUU compounded at +31.33% per year against +17.24% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +17.83% and +8.71% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, SPUU has the edge at +18.27% annualized vs +4.66%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPUU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.5% 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 -59.4% for SPUU 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
SPUU charges 0.60% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $5 annually, a gap of $55 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPUU currently yields 1.34% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
SPUU and VXUS share 7 holdings out of 8358 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in SPUU | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| ORCL | 0.48% | 0.00% | 0.48% |
| 2345:TW | 0.16% | 0.05% | 0.11% |
| IRM | 0.06% | 0.05% | 0.01% |
| HBAN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| SRE | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| KR | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 7 holdings SPUU shares with VXUS Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPUU or VXUS?
SPUU has an expense ratio of 0.60% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $55 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPUU or VXUS?
Over the past year SPUU returned +33.51% vs +27.13% for VXUS, so SPUU leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), SPUU annualized +18.27% vs +4.66% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPUU or VXUS?
SPUU has been the more volatile fund at 30.5% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: SPUU -59.4% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both SPUU and VXUS?
SPUU 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 SPUU and VXUS?
SPUU and VXUS share 7 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8358 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPUU or VXUS?
SPUU yields 1.34% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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