RIOX vs. VRTL

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

RIOX (Defiance Daily Target 2X Long RIOT ETF) and VRTL (GraniteShares 2x Long VRT Daily ETF) are both Leveraged Equities funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, RIOX returned 157.33% vs 338.19% for VRTL. A 0.50 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. RIOX charges 0.95%/yr vs 1.50%/yr for VRTL.

Performance

RIOX vs. VRTL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Defiance Daily Target 2X Long RIOT ETF (RIOX) 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, RIOX achieves a 135.89% return, which is significantly lower than VRTL's 167.32% return.

RIOX

• 1D: -20.99%
• 1M: 1.77%
• YTD: 135.89%
• 6M: 52.58%
• 1Y: 157.33%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VRTL

• 1D: -14.78%
• 1M: -33.02%
• YTD: 167.32%
• 6M: 90.02%
• 1Y: 338.19%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

RIOX vs. VRTL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
RIOX Defiance Daily Target 2X Long RIOT ETF	135.89%	2.17%
VRTL GraniteShares 2x Long VRT Daily ETF	167.32%	108.44%

Correlation

The correlation between RIOX 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 26, 2025	0.50

The correlation between RIOX and VRTL has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.45 to 0.50 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

RIOX vs. VRTL — Risk / Return Rank

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

RIOX

RIOX Risk / Return Rank: 37
RIOX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 28
RIOX Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
RIOX Omega Ratio Rank: 44
RIOX Calmar Ratio Rank: 41
RIOX Martin Ratio Rank: 25

VRTL

VRTL Risk / Return Rank: 83
VRTL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 91
VRTL Sortino Ratio Rank: 74
VRTL Omega Ratio Rank: 68
VRTL Calmar Ratio Rank: 94
VRTL Martin Ratio Rank: 88

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.

RIOX vs. VRTL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Defiance Daily Target 2X Long RIOT ETF (RIOX) 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.

	RIOX	VRTL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.94	2.95	-2.01
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.18	3.10	-0.92
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.38	-0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.88	7.18	-5.31
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.12	18.12	-15.00
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

RIOX vs. VRTL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current RIOX Sharpe Ratio is 0.94, which is lower than the VRTL Sharpe Ratio of 2.95. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of RIOX 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.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	RIOX	VRTL	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.94	2.95	-2.01
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	-0.03	2.58	-2.60

Drawdowns

RIOX vs. VRTL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RIOX drawdown since its inception was -84.40%, which is greater than VRTL's maximum drawdown of -60.58%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RIOX and VRTL.

Drawdown Indicators

	RIOX	VRTL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-84.40%	-60.58%	-23.82%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-84.40%	-47.45%	-36.95%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-43.36%	-38.62%	-4.74%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-52.49%	-15.28%	-37.21%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	50.67%	18.77%	+31.90%

Volatility

RIOX vs. VRTL - Volatility Comparison

Defiance Daily Target 2X Long RIOT ETF (RIOX) has a higher volatility of 37.03% compared to GraniteShares 2x Long VRT Daily ETF (VRTL) at 34.92%. This indicates that RIOX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VRTL based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	RIOX	VRTL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	37.03%	34.92%	+2.11%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	123.63%	89.21%	+34.42%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	169.32%	115.48%	+53.84%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	168.45%	124.93%	+43.52%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	168.45%	124.93%	+43.52%

RIOX vs. VRTL - Expense Ratio Comparison

RIOX has a 0.95% expense ratio, which is lower than VRTL's 1.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

RIOX vs. VRTL - Dividend Comparison

RIOX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 25.76%, while VRTL has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025
RIOX Defiance Daily Target 2X Long RIOT ETF	25.76%	60.76%
VRTL GraniteShares 2x Long VRT Daily ETF	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both RIOX and VRTL in my portfolio?

RIOX 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, RIOX or VRTL?

RIOX has higher volatility (37.03%) compared to VRTL (34.92%). In terms of maximum drawdown, RIOX dropped -84.40% vs VRTL's -60.58%.

Which ETF is better, RIOX or VRTL?

On 1-year performance, VRTL leads with 338.19% vs 157.33% for RIOX. On fees, RIOX is cheaper at 0.95% per year. On volatility, VRTL has been the lower-risk option at 34.92%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, RIOX or VRTL?

Over the 1-year period, VRTL has performed better with a 338.19% return vs 157.33%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, RIOX or VRTL?

RIOX is cheaper with a 0.95% expense ratio, compared with 1.50% for VRTL.

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

RIOX has the higher dividend yield at 25.76%, compared with 0.00% for VRTL.

What is the main difference between RIOX and VRTL?

They also come from different issuers: Defiance and GraniteShares. Their fees differ too: 0.95% for RIOX and 1.50% for VRTL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VRTL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.95 vs 0.94), 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.