SSXU vs. VEA

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

SSXU (Day Hagan/Ned Davis Research Smart Sector International ETF) and VEA (Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds. SSXU is actively managed, while VEA is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, SSXU returned 12.76%/yr vs 20.72%/yr for VEA. With a 0.95 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. SSXU charges 1.15%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VEA.

Performance

SSXU vs. VEA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Day Hagan/Ned Davis Research Smart Sector International ETF (SSXU) and Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SSXU achieves a 4.58% return, which is significantly lower than VEA's 16.69% return.

SSXU

• 1D: -0.17%
• 1M: -0.13%
• YTD: 4.58%
• 6M: 4.61%
• 1Y: 19.79%
• 3Y*: 12.76%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VEA

• 1D: 0.11%
• 1M: 3.28%
• YTD: 16.69%
• 6M: 17.33%
• 1Y: 35.42%
• 3Y*: 20.72%
• 5Y*: 10.37%
• 10Y*: 11.06%

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

SSXU vs. VEA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
SSXU Day Hagan/Ned Davis Research Smart Sector International ETF	4.58%	27.09%	5.28%	9.56%	2.14%
VEA Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF	16.69%	35.16%	3.15%	17.93%	4.39%

Correlation

The correlation between SSXU and VEA is 0.94, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.94
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.94
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 1, 2022	0.95

The correlation between SSXU and VEA has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.94 to 0.95 - a consistent structural relationship.

SSXU vs. VEA - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SSXU	VEA
Financial Services	23.0%	22.3%
Industrials	16.2%	17.5%
Basic Materials	14.5%	7.5%
Consumer Cyclical	8.0%	7.4%
Healthcare	6.8%	7.6%
Technology	6.7%	16.6%
Consumer Defensive	6.5%	5.5%
Energy	5.5%	4.7%
Communication Services	5.1%	3.2%
Utilities	4.3%	3.0%
Real Estate	3.5%	2.5%

Return for Risk

SSXU vs. VEA — Risk / Return Rank

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

SSXU

SSXU Risk / Return Rank: 41
SSXU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 42
SSXU Sortino Ratio Rank: 41
SSXU Omega Ratio Rank: 42
SSXU Calmar Ratio Rank: 38
SSXU Martin Ratio Rank: 41

VEA

VEA Risk / Return Rank: 67
VEA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 69
VEA Sortino Ratio Rank: 67
VEA Omega Ratio Rank: 69
VEA Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
VEA Martin Ratio Rank: 66

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.

SSXU vs. VEA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Day Hagan/Ned Davis Research Smart Sector International ETF (SSXU) and Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA). 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.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	SSXU	VEA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.43	2.16	-0.73
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.02	2.93	-0.91
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.39	-0.13
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.86	3.06	-1.21
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.32	11.80	-5.48

SSXU vs. VEA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SSXU Sharpe Ratio is 1.43, which is lower than the VEA Sharpe Ratio of 2.16. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SSXU and VEA, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

SSXU vs. VEA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SSXU drawdown since its inception was -13.91%, smaller than the maximum VEA drawdown of -60.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SSXU and VEA.

Drawdown Indicators

	SSXU	VEA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-13.91%	-60.68%	+46.77%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.71%	-11.63%	+0.92%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.91%	-13.45%	-0.46%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-29.71%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.73%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.96%	0.00%	-3.96%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.23%	-13.26%	+10.03%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.14%	3.01%	+0.13%

Volatility

SSXU vs. VEA - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Day Hagan/Ned Davis Research Smart Sector International ETF (SSXU) is 4.20%, while Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA) has a volatility of 6.32%. This indicates that SSXU experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VEA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SSXU	VEA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.20%	6.32%	-2.12%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.86%	14.39%	-2.53%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.96%	16.52%	-2.56%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.40%	16.71%	-2.31%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.40%	17.38%	-2.98%

SSXU vs. VEA - Expense Ratio Comparison

SSXU has a 1.15% expense ratio, which is higher than VEA's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

SSXU vs. VEA - Dividend Comparison

SSXU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.54%, more than VEA's 2.50% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SSXU Day Hagan/Ned Davis Research Smart Sector International ETF	2.54%	2.66%	2.74%	2.07%	0.65%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VEA Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF	2.50%	3.22%	3.35%	3.15%	2.91%	3.16%	2.04%	3.04%	3.35%	2.77%	3.05%	2.92%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SSXU and VEA in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.94, SSXU and VEA move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, SSXU or VEA?

VEA has higher volatility (6.32%) compared to SSXU (4.20%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SSXU dropped -13.91% vs VEA's -60.68%.

Which ETF is better, SSXU or VEA?

On 3-year performance, VEA leads with 20.72% vs 12.76% for SSXU. On fees, VEA is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, SSXU has been the lower-risk option at 4.20%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SSXU or VEA?

Over the 3-year period, VEA has performed better with a 20.72% return vs 12.76%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SSXU or VEA?

VEA is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 1.15% for SSXU.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SSXU or VEA?

SSXU has the higher dividend yield at 2.54%, compared with 2.50% for VEA.

What is the main difference between SSXU and VEA?

They also come from different issuers: Day Hagan and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 1.15% for SSXU and 0.03% for VEA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VEA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.16 vs 1.43), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.