TECL vs. VGT

Last updated Jun 21, 2026

TECL (Direxion Daily Technology Bull 3X Shares) and VGT (Vanguard Information Technology ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - TECL is a Leveraged Equities fund tracking the Technology Select Sector Index (300%), while VGT is a Technology Equities fund tracking the MSCI USA IMI Information Technology 25/50 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, TECL returned 53.21%/yr vs 25.56%/yr for VGT. With a 0.99 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. TECL charges 0.91%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for VGT.

Performance

TECL vs. VGT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Direxion Daily Technology Bull 3X Shares (TECL) and Vanguard Information Technology ETF (VGT). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, TECL achieves a 101.50% return, which is significantly higher than VGT's 27.53% return. Over the past 10 years, TECL has outperformed VGT with an annualized return of 53.21%, while VGT has yielded a comparatively lower 25.56% annualized return.

TECL

• 1D: 9.00%
• 1M: 17.29%
• YTD: 101.50%
• 6M: 99.04%
• 1Y: 214.21%
• 3Y*: 68.10%
• 5Y*: 39.02%
• 10Y*: 53.21%

VGT

• 1D: 2.66%
• 1M: 4.85%
• YTD: 27.53%
• 6M: 27.24%
• 1Y: 53.46%
• 3Y*: 30.51%
• 5Y*: 20.91%
• 10Y*: 25.56%

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

TECL vs. VGT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
TECL Direxion Daily Technology Bull 3X Shares	101.50%	38.60%	36.15%	203.14%	-74.32%	112.80%	69.46%	185.58%	-24.03%	124.82%
VGT Vanguard Information Technology ETF	27.53%	21.77%	29.30%	52.66%	-29.70%	30.45%	46.04%	48.62%	2.46%	37.08%

Correlation

The correlation between TECL and VGT is 0.99 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.99
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.99
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.99
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.99
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 30, 2008	0.99

The correlation between TECL and VGT has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.99 to 0.99 - a consistent structural relationship.

TECL vs. VGT - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	TECL	VGT
Technology	22.4%	98.5%
Energy	0.0%	0.3%
Industrials	0.0%	0.4%
Basic Materials	-	0.0%
Communication Services	-	0.5%
Consumer Cyclical	-	0.1%
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Financial Services	-	0.5%
Healthcare	-	0.0%
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

TECL vs. VGT — Risk / Return Rank

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

TECL

TECL Risk / Return Rank: 77
TECL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 92
TECL Sortino Ratio Rank: 67
TECL Omega Ratio Rank: 70
TECL Calmar Ratio Rank: 86
TECL Martin Ratio Rank: 71

VGT

VGT Risk / Return Rank: 69
VGT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 79
VGT Sortino Ratio Rank: 68
VGT Omega Ratio Rank: 70
VGT Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
VGT Martin Ratio Rank: 58

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.

TECL vs. VGT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Direxion Daily Technology Bull 3X Shares (TECL) and Vanguard Information Technology ETF (VGT). 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.

	TECL	VGT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.06	2.37	+0.69
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.92	2.94	-0.02
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.39	1.39	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.53	3.24	+1.29
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.54	9.93	+2.61

TECL vs. VGT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current TECL Sharpe Ratio is 3.06, which is comparable to the VGT Sharpe Ratio of 2.37. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of TECL and VGT, 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

TECL vs. VGT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum TECL drawdown since its inception was -77.96%, which is greater than VGT's maximum drawdown of -54.63%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for TECL and VGT.

Drawdown Indicators

	TECL	VGT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-77.96%	-54.63%	-23.33%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-46.58%	-16.40%	-30.18%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-66.58%	-27.23%	-39.35%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-77.96%	-35.07%	-42.89%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-77.96%	-35.07%	-42.89%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-13.46%	-4.56%	-8.90%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-18.38%	-7.95%	-10.43%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	16.77%	5.33%	+11.44%

Volatility

TECL vs. VGT - Volatility Comparison

Direxion Daily Technology Bull 3X Shares (TECL) has a higher volatility of 36.06% compared to Vanguard Information Technology ETF (VGT) at 10.81%. This indicates that TECL's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VGT based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	TECL	VGT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	36.06%	10.81%	+25.25%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	58.34%	18.34%	+40.00%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	68.88%	22.40%	+46.48%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	75.27%	25.49%	+49.78%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	72.97%	24.77%	+48.20%

TECL vs. VGT - Expense Ratio Comparison

TECL has a 0.91% expense ratio, which is higher than VGT's 0.09% expense ratio.

Dividends

TECL vs. VGT - Dividend Comparison

TECL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.53%, more than VGT's 0.32% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
TECL Direxion Daily Technology Bull 3X Shares	3.53%	7.19%	0.29%	0.28%	0.22%	0.32%	0.52%	0.25%	0.47%	0.10%	0.00%	0.00%
VGT Vanguard Information Technology ETF	0.32%	0.40%	0.60%	0.65%	0.91%	0.64%	0.82%	1.11%	1.29%	0.99%	1.31%	1.28%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both TECL and VGT in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.99, TECL and VGT 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, TECL or VGT?

TECL has higher volatility (36.06%) compared to VGT (10.81%). In terms of maximum drawdown, TECL dropped -77.96% vs VGT's -54.63%.

Which ETF is better, TECL or VGT?

On 10-year performance, TECL leads with 53.21% vs 25.56% for VGT. On fees, VGT is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, VGT has been the lower-risk option at 10.81%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, TECL or VGT?

Over the 10-year period, TECL has performed better with a 53.21% return vs 25.56%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, TECL or VGT?

VGT is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.91% for TECL.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, TECL or VGT?

TECL has the higher dividend yield at 3.53%, compared with 0.32% for VGT.

What is the main difference between TECL and VGT?

TECL is categorized as Leveraged Equities, while VGT is Technology Equities. TECL tracks Technology Select Sector Index (300%), while VGT tracks MSCI USA IMI Information Technology 25/50 Index. They also come from different issuers: Direxion and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.91% for TECL and 0.09% for VGT.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

TECL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.06 vs 2.37), 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.