VRTL vs. SOXL

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

VRTL (GraniteShares 2x Long VRT Daily ETF) and SOXL (Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bull 3X ETF) are both Leveraged Equities funds. VRTL is actively managed, while SOXL is passively managed. Over the past year, VRTL returned 343.57% vs 976.09% for SOXL. A 0.68 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VRTL charges 1.50%/yr vs 0.75%/yr for SOXL.

Performance

VRTL vs. SOXL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in GraniteShares 2x Long VRT Daily ETF (VRTL) and Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bull 3X ETF (SOXL). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VRTL achieves a 187.83% return, which is significantly lower than SOXL's 450.61% return.

VRTL

• 1D: -22.65%
• 1M: -11.35%
• YTD: 187.83%
• 6M: 172.02%
• 1Y: 343.57%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SOXL

• 1D: -23.06%
• 1M: 21.44%
• YTD: 450.61%
• 6M: 429.57%
• 1Y: 976.09%
• 3Y*: 120.84%
• 5Y*: 42.16%
• 10Y*: 64.56%

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

VRTL vs. SOXL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
VRTL GraniteShares 2x Long VRT Daily ETF	187.83%	110.50%
SOXL Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bull 3X ETF	450.61%	101.46%

Correlation

The correlation between VRTL and SOXL is 0.67, 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	0.67
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 25, 2025	0.68

The correlation between VRTL and SOXL has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.67 to 0.68 - a consistent structural relationship.

VRTL vs. SOXL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

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

Return for Risk

VRTL vs. SOXL — Risk / Return Rank

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

VRTL

VRTL Risk / Return Rank: 83
VRTL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 91
VRTL Sortino Ratio Rank: 74
VRTL Omega Ratio Rank: 70
VRTL Calmar Ratio Rank: 95
VRTL Martin Ratio Rank: 87

SOXL

SOXL Risk / Return Rank: 96
SOXL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 99
SOXL Sortino Ratio Rank: 90
SOXL Omega Ratio Rank: 92
SOXL Calmar Ratio Rank: 99
SOXL Martin Ratio Rank: 98

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.

VRTL vs. SOXL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for GraniteShares 2x Long VRT Daily ETF (VRTL) and Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bull 3X ETF (SOXL). 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.

	VRTL	SOXL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.89	8.45	-5.55
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.02	4.03	-1.01
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.38	1.58	-0.20
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	7.30	22.69	-15.39
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	17.10	72.83	-55.73

VRTL vs. SOXL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VRTL Sharpe Ratio is 2.89, which is lower than the SOXL Sharpe Ratio of 8.45. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VRTL and SOXL, 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

VRTL vs. SOXL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VRTL drawdown since its inception was -60.58%, smaller than the maximum SOXL drawdown of -90.46%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VRTL and SOXL.

Drawdown Indicators

	VRTL	SOXL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-60.58%	-90.46%	+29.88%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-47.45%	-43.47%	-3.98%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-87.88%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-90.46%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-90.46%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-33.92%	-23.06%	-10.86%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-15.93%	-34.95%	+19.02%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	20.20%	13.52%	+6.68%

Volatility

VRTL vs. SOXL - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for GraniteShares 2x Long VRT Daily ETF (VRTL) is 43.78%, while Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bull 3X ETF (SOXL) has a volatility of 68.39%. This indicates that VRTL experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SOXL based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VRTL	SOXL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	43.78%	68.39%	-24.61%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	92.17%	99.84%	-7.67%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	119.83%	116.79%	+3.04%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	126.87%	110.35%	+16.52%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	126.87%	100.62%	+26.25%

VRTL vs. SOXL - Expense Ratio Comparison

VRTL has a 1.50% expense ratio, which is higher than SOXL's 0.75% expense ratio.

Dividends

VRTL vs. SOXL - Dividend Comparison

VRTL has not paid dividends to shareholders, while SOXL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.03%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
SOXL Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bull 3X ETF	0.03%	0.34%	1.18%	0.51%	1.07%	0.04%	0.05%	0.38%	1.30%	0.09%	4.84%
VRTL GraniteShares 2x Long VRT Daily ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VRTL and SOXL in my portfolio?

VRTL and SOXL have a correlation of 0.67, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VRTL or SOXL?

SOXL has higher volatility (68.39%) compared to VRTL (43.78%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VRTL dropped -60.58% vs SOXL's -90.46%.

Which ETF is better, VRTL or SOXL?

On 1-year performance, SOXL leads with 976.09% vs 343.57% for VRTL. On fees, SOXL is cheaper at 0.75% per year. On volatility, VRTL has been the lower-risk option at 43.78%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VRTL or SOXL?

Over the 1-year period, SOXL has performed better with a 976.09% return vs 343.57%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VRTL or SOXL?

SOXL is cheaper with a 0.75% expense ratio, compared with 1.50% for VRTL.

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

SOXL has the higher dividend yield at 0.03%, compared with 0.00% for VRTL.

What is the main difference between VRTL and SOXL?

They also come from different issuers: GraniteShares and Direxion. Their fees differ too: 1.50% for VRTL and 0.75% for SOXL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SOXL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (8.45 vs 2.89), 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.