PLU vs. VALG

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

PLU (Defiance Daily Target 2X Long PL ETF) and VALG (Leverage Shares 2X Long VALE Daily ETF) are both Leveraged Equities funds - PLU tracks the Planet Labs PBC (PL) while VALG tracks the Vale S.A. (VALE). Both are passively managed. At a 0.27 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. PLU charges 1.31%/yr vs 0.75%/yr for VALG.

Performance

PLU vs. VALG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Defiance Daily Target 2X Long PL ETF (PLU) and Leverage Shares 2X Long VALE Daily ETF (VALG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

PLU

• 1D: -52.17%
• 1M: -46.80%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VALG

• 1D: -7.60%
• 1M: -16.46%
• YTD: 21.09%
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

PLU vs. VALG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
PLU Defiance Daily Target 2X Long PL ETF	9.39%
VALG Leverage Shares 2X Long VALE Daily ETF	1.73%

Correlation

The correlation between PLU and VALG is 0.27, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 8, 2026	0.27

Return for Risk

PLU vs. VALG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Defiance Daily Target 2X Long PL ETF (PLU) and Leverage Shares 2X Long VALE Daily ETF (VALG). 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

	PLU	VALG	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.11	0.85	-0.74

Drawdowns

PLU vs. VALG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PLU drawdown since its inception was -66.28%, which is greater than VALG's maximum drawdown of -36.93%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PLU and VALG.

Drawdown Indicators

	PLU	VALG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-66.28%	-36.93%	-29.35%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-66.28%	-29.92%	-36.36%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-19.15%	-12.01%	-7.14%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	PLU	VALG	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	215.26%	76.23%	+139.03%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	215.26%	76.23%	+139.03%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	215.26%	76.23%	+139.03%

PLU vs. VALG - Expense Ratio Comparison

PLU has a 1.31% expense ratio, which is higher than VALG's 0.75% expense ratio.

Dividends

PLU vs. VALG - Dividend Comparison

Neither PLU nor VALG has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PLU and VALG in my portfolio?

PLU and VALG have a correlation of 0.27, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, PLU or VALG?

On fees, VALG is cheaper at 0.75% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, PLU or VALG?

VALG is cheaper with a 0.75% expense ratio, compared with 1.31% for PLU.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, PLU or VALG?

PLU and VALG have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between PLU and VALG?

PLU tracks Planet Labs PBC (PL), while VALG tracks Vale S.A. (VALE). They also come from different issuers: Defiance and Leverage Shares. Their fees differ too: 1.31% for PLU and 0.75% for VALG.