MIDU vs. VRTL

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

MIDU (Direxion Daily Mid Cap Bull 3X Shares) and VRTL (GraniteShares 2x Long VRT Daily ETF) are both Leveraged Equities funds. MIDU is passively managed, while VRTL is actively managed. Over the past year, MIDU returned 63.47% vs 343.57% for VRTL. At a 0.49 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. MIDU charges 1.06%/yr vs 1.50%/yr for VRTL.

Performance

MIDU vs. VRTL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Direxion Daily Mid Cap Bull 3X Shares (MIDU) and GraniteShares 2x Long VRT Daily ETF (VRTL). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MIDU achieves a 37.67% return, which is significantly lower than VRTL's 187.83% return.

MIDU

• 1D: -3.21%
• 1M: 6.62%
• YTD: 37.67%
• 6M: 30.01%
• 1Y: 63.47%
• 3Y*: 26.25%
• 5Y*: 3.28%
• 10Y*: 12.98%

VRTL

• 1D: -22.65%
• 1M: -11.35%
• YTD: 187.83%
• 6M: 172.02%
• 1Y: 343.57%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

MIDU vs. VRTL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
MIDU Direxion Daily Mid Cap Bull 3X Shares	37.67%	11.68%
VRTL GraniteShares 2x Long VRT Daily ETF	187.83%	110.50%

Correlation

The correlation between MIDU and VRTL is 0.45, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.45
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 25, 2025	0.49

MIDU vs. VRTL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	MIDU	VRTL
Industrials	5.3%	66.7%
Technology	3.4%	-
Financial Services	2.8%	-
Consumer Cyclical	2.0%	-
Healthcare	1.8%	-
Real Estate	1.5%	-
Energy	1.0%	-
Basic Materials	1.0%	-
Consumer Defensive	0.8%	-
Utilities	0.6%	-
Communication Services	0.2%	-

Return for Risk

MIDU vs. VRTL — Risk / Return Rank

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

MIDU

MIDU Risk / Return Rank: 44
MIDU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 40
MIDU Sortino Ratio Rank: 41
MIDU Omega Ratio Rank: 37
MIDU Calmar Ratio Rank: 53
MIDU Martin Ratio Rank: 51

VRTL

VRTL Risk / Return Rank: 83
VRTL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 91
VRTL Sortino Ratio Rank: 74
VRTL Omega Ratio Rank: 70
VRTL Calmar Ratio Rank: 95
VRTL Martin Ratio Rank: 87

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.

MIDU vs. VRTL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Direxion Daily Mid Cap Bull 3X Shares (MIDU) and GraniteShares 2x Long VRT Daily ETF (VRTL). 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.

	MIDU	VRTL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.35	2.89	-1.54
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.96	3.02	-1.06
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.23	1.38	-0.14
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.47	7.30	-4.82
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.20	17.10	-8.91

MIDU vs. VRTL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MIDU Sharpe Ratio is 1.35, which is lower than the VRTL Sharpe Ratio of 2.89. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MIDU and VRTL, 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

MIDU vs. VRTL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MIDU drawdown since its inception was -86.26%, which is greater than VRTL's maximum drawdown of -60.58%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MIDU and VRTL.

Drawdown Indicators

	MIDU	VRTL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-86.26%	-60.58%	-25.68%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-25.80%	-47.45%	+21.65%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-60.41%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-64.14%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-86.26%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.17%	-33.92%	+29.75%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-22.38%	-15.93%	-6.45%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	7.77%	20.20%	-12.43%

Volatility

MIDU vs. VRTL - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Direxion Daily Mid Cap Bull 3X Shares (MIDU) is 13.97%, while GraniteShares 2x Long VRT Daily ETF (VRTL) has a volatility of 43.78%. This indicates that MIDU experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VRTL based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MIDU	VRTL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	13.97%	43.78%	-29.81%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	34.92%	92.17%	-57.25%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	47.39%	119.83%	-72.44%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	59.50%	126.87%	-67.37%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	63.57%	126.87%	-63.30%

MIDU vs. VRTL - Expense Ratio Comparison

MIDU has a 1.06% expense ratio, which is lower than VRTL's 1.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

MIDU vs. VRTL - Dividend Comparison

MIDU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.65%, while VRTL has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
MIDU Direxion Daily Mid Cap Bull 3X Shares	0.65%	1.04%	1.10%	1.43%	0.11%	0.00%	0.06%	0.71%	0.70%	2.67%	1.89%
VRTL GraniteShares 2x Long VRT Daily ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MIDU and VRTL in my portfolio?

MIDU and VRTL have a correlation of 0.45, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MIDU or VRTL?

VRTL has higher volatility (43.78%) compared to MIDU (13.97%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MIDU dropped -86.26% vs VRTL's -60.58%.

Which ETF is better, MIDU or VRTL?

On 1-year performance, VRTL leads with 343.57% vs 63.47% for MIDU. On fees, MIDU is cheaper at 1.06% per year. On volatility, MIDU has been the lower-risk option at 13.97%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MIDU or VRTL?

Over the 1-year period, VRTL has performed better with a 343.57% return vs 63.47%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MIDU or VRTL?

MIDU is cheaper with a 1.06% expense ratio, compared with 1.50% for VRTL.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, MIDU or VRTL?

MIDU has the higher dividend yield at 0.65%, compared with 0.00% for VRTL.

What is the main difference between MIDU and VRTL?

They also come from different issuers: Direxion and GraniteShares. Their fees differ too: 1.06% for MIDU and 1.50% for VRTL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VRTL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.89 vs 1.35), 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.