ASTX vs. VGUS

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

ASTX (Tradr 2X Long ASTS Daily ETF) and VGUS (Vanguard Ultra-Short Treasury ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - ASTX is a Leveraged Equities fund actively managed by Tradr, while VGUS is a Ultrashort Bond fund tracking the Bloomberg Short Treasury Index. ASTX is actively managed, while VGUS is passively managed. At a correlation of -0.11, they often move in opposite directions. ASTX charges 1.30%/yr vs 0.07%/yr for VGUS.

Performance

ASTX vs. VGUS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Tradr 2X Long ASTS Daily ETF (ASTX) and Vanguard Ultra-Short Treasury ETF (VGUS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ASTX achieves a 15.62% return, which is significantly higher than VGUS's 1.44% return.

ASTX

• 1D: -17.56%
• 1M: 106.50%
• YTD: 15.62%
• 6M: 40.18%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VGUS

• 1D: 0.01%
• 1M: 0.28%
• YTD: 1.44%
• 6M: 1.76%
• 1Y: 3.95%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

ASTX vs. VGUS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
ASTX Tradr 2X Long ASTS Daily ETF	15.62%	52.29%
VGUS Vanguard Ultra-Short Treasury ETF	1.44%	2.01%

Correlation

The correlation between ASTX and VGUS is -0.11, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 14, 2025	-0.11

Return for Risk

ASTX vs. VGUS — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

VGUS

VGUS Risk / Return Rank: 100
VGUS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 100
VGUS Sortino Ratio Rank: 100
VGUS Omega Ratio Rank: 100
VGUS Calmar Ratio Rank: 99
VGUS Martin Ratio Rank: 100

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

ASTX vs. VGUS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Tradr 2X Long ASTS Daily ETF (ASTX) and Vanguard Ultra-Short Treasury ETF (VGUS). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	ASTX	VGUS	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	12.10	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.42	11.72	-11.31

Drawdowns

ASTX vs. VGUS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ASTX drawdown since its inception was -80.36%, which is greater than VGUS's maximum drawdown of -0.07%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ASTX and VGUS.

Drawdown Indicators

	ASTX	VGUS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-80.36%	-0.07%	-80.29%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-0.07%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-53.23%	0.00%	-53.23%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-44.34%	-0.00%	-44.34%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	0.01%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	ASTX	VGUS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	0.11%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	0.18%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	212.04%	0.33%	+211.71%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	212.04%	0.34%	+211.70%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	212.04%	0.34%	+211.70%

ASTX vs. VGUS - Expense Ratio Comparison

ASTX has a 1.30% expense ratio, which is higher than VGUS's 0.07% expense ratio.

Dividends

ASTX vs. VGUS - Dividend Comparison

ASTX has not paid dividends to shareholders, while VGUS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.61%.

Position	TTM	2025
ASTX Tradr 2X Long ASTS Daily ETF	0.00%	0.00%
VGUS Vanguard Ultra-Short Treasury ETF	3.61%	3.12%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ASTX and VGUS in my portfolio?

ASTX and VGUS have a correlation of -0.11, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, ASTX or VGUS?

On fees, VGUS is cheaper at 0.07% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, ASTX or VGUS?

VGUS is cheaper with a 0.07% expense ratio, compared with 1.30% for ASTX.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, ASTX or VGUS?

VGUS has the higher dividend yield at 3.61%, compared with 0.00% for ASTX.

What is the main difference between ASTX and VGUS?

ASTX is categorized as Leveraged Equities, while VGUS is Ultrashort Bond. They also come from different issuers: Tradr and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 1.30% for ASTX and 0.07% for VGUS.