UPSX vs. VRTL

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

UPSX (Tradr 2X Long UPST Daily ETF) and VRTL (GraniteShares 2x Long VRT Daily ETF) are both Leveraged Equities funds. Both are actively managed. At a 0.19 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. UPSX charges 1.30%/yr vs 1.50%/yr for VRTL.

Performance

UPSX vs. VRTL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Tradr 2X Long UPST Daily ETF (UPSX) 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, UPSX achieves a -64.53% return, which is significantly lower than VRTL's 230.54% return.

UPSX

• 1D: -12.72%
• 1M: -15.45%
• YTD: -64.53%
• 6M: -68.06%
• 1Y: —
• 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)

UPSX vs. VRTL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
UPSX Tradr 2X Long UPST Daily ETF	-64.53%	-60.75%
VRTL GraniteShares 2x Long VRT Daily ETF	230.54%	76.74%

Correlation

The correlation between UPSX and VRTL is 0.19, 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 Jun 11, 2025	0.19

Return for Risk

UPSX vs. VRTL — Risk / Return Rank

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

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.

UPSX vs. VRTL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Tradr 2X Long UPST Daily ETF (UPSX) 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	UPSX	VRTL	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	3.91	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	-0.62	3.29	-3.91

Drawdowns

UPSX vs. VRTL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum UPSX drawdown since its inception was -95.01%, which is greater than VRTL's maximum drawdown of -60.58%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for UPSX and VRTL.

Drawdown Indicators

	UPSX	VRTL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-95.01%	-60.58%	-34.43%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-47.45%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-93.01%	-24.11%	-68.90%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-66.03%	-15.16%	-50.87%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	18.53%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	UPSX	VRTL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	33.79%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	87.48%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	140.77%	114.32%	+26.45%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	140.77%	124.39%	+16.38%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	140.77%	124.39%	+16.38%

UPSX vs. VRTL - Expense Ratio Comparison

UPSX has a 1.30% expense ratio, which is lower than VRTL's 1.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

UPSX vs. VRTL - Dividend Comparison

Neither UPSX nor VRTL has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both UPSX and VRTL in my portfolio?

UPSX and VRTL have a correlation of 0.19, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, UPSX or VRTL?

On fees, UPSX is cheaper at 1.30% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, UPSX or VRTL?

UPSX is cheaper with a 1.30% expense ratio, compared with 1.50% for VRTL.

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

UPSX and VRTL have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between UPSX and VRTL?

They also come from different issuers: Tradr and GraniteShares. Their fees differ too: 1.30% for UPSX and 1.50% for VRTL.