RKLX vs. VRTL

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

RKLX (Defiance Daily Target 2X Long RKLB ETF) and VRTL (GraniteShares 2x Long VRT Daily ETF) are both Leveraged Equities funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, RKLX returned 535.41% vs 442.54% for VRTL. At a 0.39 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. RKLX charges 1.29%/yr vs 1.50%/yr for VRTL.

Performance

RKLX vs. VRTL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Defiance Daily Target 2X Long RKLB ETF (RKLX) 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, RKLX achieves a 59.46% return, which is significantly lower than VRTL's 230.54% return.

RKLX

• 1D: -14.06%
• 1M: 69.79%
• YTD: 59.46%
• 6M: 247.53%
• 1Y: 535.41%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VRTL

• 1D: -1.32%
• 1M: -3.10%
• YTD: 230.54%
• 6M: 160.92%
• 1Y: 442.54%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

RKLX vs. VRTL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
RKLX Defiance Daily Target 2X Long RKLB ETF	59.46%	479.26%
VRTL GraniteShares 2x Long VRT Daily ETF	230.54%	108.44%

Correlation

The correlation between RKLX and VRTL is 0.32, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.32
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 26, 2025	0.39

RKLX vs. VRTL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	RKLX	VRTL
Industrials	100.0%	66.7%
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

RKLX vs. VRTL — Risk / Return Rank

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

RKLX

RKLX Risk / Return Rank: 78
RKLX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 88
RKLX Sortino Ratio Rank: 69
RKLX Omega Ratio Rank: 63
RKLX Calmar Ratio Rank: 94
RKLX Martin Ratio Rank: 77

VRTL

VRTL Risk / Return Rank: 87
VRTL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 95
VRTL Sortino Ratio Rank: 78
VRTL Omega Ratio Rank: 73
VRTL Calmar Ratio Rank: 96
VRTL Martin Ratio Rank: 93

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.

RKLX vs. VRTL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	RKLX	VRTL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.94	3.91	-0.96
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.12	3.49	-0.37
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.38	1.43	-0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	7.53	9.40	-1.87
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.71	24.03	-9.32
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

RKLX vs. VRTL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current RKLX Sharpe Ratio is 2.94, which is comparable to the VRTL Sharpe Ratio of 3.91. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of RKLX 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

	RKLX	VRTL	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.94	3.91	-0.96
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	3.69	3.29	+0.40

Drawdowns

RKLX vs. VRTL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RKLX drawdown since its inception was -71.71%, which is greater than VRTL's maximum drawdown of -60.58%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RKLX and VRTL.

Drawdown Indicators

	RKLX	VRTL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-71.71%	-60.58%	-11.13%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-71.71%	-47.45%	-24.26%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-44.20%	-24.11%	-20.09%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-25.90%	-15.16%	-10.74%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	36.65%	18.53%	+18.12%

Volatility

RKLX vs. VRTL - Volatility Comparison

Defiance Daily Target 2X Long RKLB ETF (RKLX) has a higher volatility of 80.64% compared to GraniteShares 2x Long VRT Daily ETF (VRTL) at 33.79%. This indicates that RKLX'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

	RKLX	VRTL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	80.64%	33.79%	+46.85%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	142.22%	87.48%	+54.74%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	183.57%	114.32%	+69.25%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	181.89%	124.39%	+57.50%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	181.89%	124.39%	+57.50%

RKLX vs. VRTL - Expense Ratio Comparison

RKLX has a 1.29% expense ratio, which is lower than VRTL's 1.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

RKLX vs. VRTL - Dividend Comparison

RKLX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 9.37%, while VRTL has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025
RKLX Defiance Daily Target 2X Long RKLB ETF	9.37%	14.94%
VRTL GraniteShares 2x Long VRT Daily ETF	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both RKLX and VRTL in my portfolio?

RKLX and VRTL have a correlation of 0.32, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, RKLX or VRTL?

RKLX has higher volatility (80.64%) compared to VRTL (33.79%). In terms of maximum drawdown, RKLX dropped -71.71% vs VRTL's -60.58%.

Which ETF is better, RKLX or VRTL?

On 1-year performance, RKLX leads with 535.41% vs 442.54% for VRTL. On fees, RKLX is cheaper at 1.29% per year. On volatility, VRTL has been the lower-risk option at 33.79%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, RKLX or VRTL?

Over the 1-year period, RKLX has performed better with a 535.41% return vs 442.54%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, RKLX or VRTL?

RKLX is cheaper with a 1.29% expense ratio, compared with 1.50% for VRTL.

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

RKLX has the higher dividend yield at 9.37%, compared with 0.00% for VRTL.

What is the main difference between RKLX and VRTL?

They also come from different issuers: Defiance and GraniteShares. Their fees differ too: 1.29% for RKLX and 1.50% for VRTL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VRTL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.91 vs 2.94), 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.