UBOT vs. VUG

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

UBOT (Direxion Robotics, Artificial Intelligence & Automation Index Bull 3X Shares) and VUG (Vanguard Growth ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - UBOT is a Robotics fund tracking the Indxx Global Robotics & Artificial Intelligence Thematic Index (300%), while VUG is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, UBOT returned -6.34%/yr vs 15.11%/yr for VUG. A 0.79 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. UBOT charges 1.29%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VUG.

Performance

UBOT vs. VUG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Direxion Robotics, Artificial Intelligence & Automation Index Bull 3X Shares (UBOT) and Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, UBOT achieves a 16.93% return, which is significantly higher than VUG's 9.49% return.

UBOT

• 1D: -1.65%
• 1M: 9.27%
• YTD: 16.93%
• 6M: 21.77%
• 1Y: 49.20%
• 3Y*: 12.40%
• 5Y*: -6.34%
• 10Y*: —

VUG

• 1D: -1.23%
• 1M: 6.22%
• YTD: 9.49%
• 6M: 8.72%
• 1Y: 27.84%
• 3Y*: 25.93%
• 5Y*: 15.11%
• 10Y*: 18.26%

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

UBOT vs. VUG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
UBOT Direxion Robotics, Artificial Intelligence & Automation Index Bull 3X Shares	16.93%	13.42%	12.02%	72.59%	-72.45%	9.78%	80.13%	87.34%	-71.27%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	9.49%	19.40%	32.69%	46.83%	-33.16%	27.35%	40.25%	37.03%	-6.28%

Correlation

The correlation between UBOT and VUG is 0.75, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.75
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.79
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.82
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 20, 2018	0.79

The correlation between UBOT and VUG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.75 to 0.82 - a consistent structural relationship.

UBOT vs. VUG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	UBOT	VUG
Industrials	48.6%	3.6%
Technology	31.8%	53.5%
Healthcare	9.0%	4.6%
Consumer Cyclical	6.1%	12.2%
Communication Services	4.5%	17.3%
Financial Services	0.9%	4.3%
Energy	0.5%	0.4%
Consumer Defensive	0.0%	1.5%
Basic Materials	0.0%	0.6%
Utilities	0.0%	0.9%
Real Estate	-	1.0%

Return for Risk

UBOT vs. VUG — Risk / Return Rank

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

UBOT

UBOT Risk / Return Rank: 29
UBOT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 28
UBOT Sortino Ratio Rank: 30
UBOT Omega Ratio Rank: 28
UBOT Calmar Ratio Rank: 28
UBOT Martin Ratio Rank: 30

VUG

VUG Risk / Return Rank: 43
VUG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 50
VUG Sortino Ratio Rank: 47
VUG Omega Ratio Rank: 48
VUG Calmar Ratio Rank: 33
VUG Martin Ratio Rank: 37

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.

UBOT vs. VUG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Direxion Robotics, Artificial Intelligence & Automation Index Bull 3X Shares (UBOT) and Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG). 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.

	UBOT	VUG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.04	1.77	-0.73
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.66	2.40	-0.74
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.19	1.31	-0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.38	1.69	-0.31
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.39	5.92	-1.54
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

UBOT vs. VUG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current UBOT Sharpe Ratio is 1.04, which is lower than the VUG Sharpe Ratio of 1.77. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of UBOT and VUG, 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

	UBOT	VUG	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.04	1.77	-0.73
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	-0.12	0.68	-0.80
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.85	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	-0.05	0.62	-0.67

Drawdowns

UBOT vs. VUG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum UBOT drawdown since its inception was -86.01%, which is greater than VUG's maximum drawdown of -50.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for UBOT and VUG.

Drawdown Indicators

	UBOT	VUG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-86.01%	-50.68%	-35.33%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-35.90%	-16.53%	-19.37%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-51.64%	-22.85%	-28.79%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-82.90%	-35.61%	-47.29%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.61%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-43.38%	-1.51%	-41.87%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-49.53%	-7.09%	-42.44%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	11.24%	4.71%	+6.53%

Volatility

UBOT vs. VUG - Volatility Comparison

Direxion Robotics, Artificial Intelligence & Automation Index Bull 3X Shares (UBOT) has a higher volatility of 15.45% compared to Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) at 3.83%. This indicates that UBOT's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VUG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	UBOT	VUG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	15.45%	3.83%	+11.62%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	36.47%	12.11%	+24.36%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	47.78%	15.84%	+31.94%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	52.94%	22.22%	+30.72%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	63.46%	21.44%	+42.02%

UBOT vs. VUG - Expense Ratio Comparison

UBOT has a 1.29% expense ratio, which is higher than VUG's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

UBOT vs. VUG - Dividend Comparison

UBOT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.80%, more than VUG's 0.37% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
UBOT Direxion Robotics, Artificial Intelligence & Automation Index Bull 3X Shares	0.80%	0.78%	1.45%	0.65%	0.00%	2.25%	15.83%	0.55%	0.33%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	0.37%	0.41%	0.47%	0.58%	0.70%	0.48%	0.66%	0.95%	1.32%	1.14%	1.39%	1.30%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both UBOT and VUG in my portfolio?

UBOT and VUG have a correlation of 0.75, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, UBOT or VUG?

UBOT has higher volatility (15.45%) compared to VUG (3.83%). In terms of maximum drawdown, UBOT dropped -86.01% vs VUG's -50.68%.

Which ETF is better, UBOT or VUG?

On 5-year performance, VUG leads with 15.11% vs -6.34% for UBOT. On fees, VUG is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, VUG has been the lower-risk option at 3.83%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, UBOT or VUG?

Over the 5-year period, VUG has performed better with a 15.11% return vs -6.34%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, UBOT or VUG?

VUG is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 1.29% for UBOT.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, UBOT or VUG?

UBOT has the higher dividend yield at 0.80%, compared with 0.37% for VUG.

What is the main difference between UBOT and VUG?

UBOT is categorized as Robotics, while VUG is Large Cap Growth Equities. UBOT tracks Indxx Global Robotics & Artificial Intelligence Thematic Index (300%), while VUG tracks CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index. They also come from different issuers: Direxion and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 1.29% for UBOT and 0.03% for VUG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VUG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.77 vs 1.04), 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.