VSTL vs. AIPO

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

VSTL (Defiance Daily Target 2X Long VST ETF) and AIPO (Defiance AI & Power Infrastructure ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VSTL is a Leveraged Equities fund actively managed by Defiance, while AIPO is a Technology Equities fund tracking the MarketVector™ US Listed AI and Power Infrastructure Index. VSTL is actively managed, while AIPO is passively managed. A 0.61 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VSTL charges 1.29%/yr vs 0.69%/yr for AIPO.

Performance

VSTL vs. AIPO - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Defiance Daily Target 2X Long VST ETF (VSTL) and Defiance AI & Power Infrastructure ETF (AIPO). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VSTL achieves a -31.04% return, which is significantly lower than AIPO's 40.87% return.

VSTL

• 1D: -6.51%
• 1M: -15.06%
• YTD: -31.04%
• 6M: -37.25%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

AIPO

• 1D: -6.65%
• 1M: -6.45%
• YTD: 40.87%
• 6M: 31.16%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

VSTL vs. AIPO - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
VSTL Defiance Daily Target 2X Long VST ETF	-31.04%	-39.72%
AIPO Defiance AI & Power Infrastructure ETF	40.87%	8.68%

Correlation

The correlation between VSTL and AIPO is 0.61, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 28, 2025	0.61

Return for Risk

VSTL vs. AIPO - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Defiance Daily Target 2X Long VST ETF (VSTL) and Defiance AI & Power Infrastructure ETF (AIPO). 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

	VSTL	AIPO	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	-0.63	1.85	-2.48

Drawdowns

VSTL vs. AIPO - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VSTL drawdown since its inception was -71.42%, which is greater than AIPO's maximum drawdown of -17.31%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VSTL and AIPO.

Drawdown Indicators

	VSTL	AIPO	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-71.42%	-17.31%	-54.11%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-66.17%	-8.38%	-57.79%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-40.42%	-4.39%	-36.03%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	VSTL	AIPO	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	98.65%	34.75%	+63.90%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	98.65%	34.75%	+63.90%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	98.65%	34.75%	+63.90%

VSTL vs. AIPO - Expense Ratio Comparison

VSTL has a 1.29% expense ratio, which is higher than AIPO's 0.69% expense ratio.

Dividends

VSTL vs. AIPO - Dividend Comparison

VSTL has not paid dividends to shareholders, while AIPO's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.01%.

Position	TTM	2025
AIPO Defiance AI & Power Infrastructure ETF	0.01%	0.01%
VSTL Defiance Daily Target 2X Long VST ETF	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VSTL and AIPO in my portfolio?

VSTL and AIPO have a correlation of 0.61, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, VSTL or AIPO?

On fees, AIPO is cheaper at 0.69% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, VSTL or AIPO?

AIPO is cheaper with a 0.69% expense ratio, compared with 1.29% for VSTL.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VSTL or AIPO?

AIPO has the higher dividend yield at 0.01%, compared with 0.00% for VSTL.

What is the main difference between VSTL and AIPO?

VSTL is categorized as Leveraged Equities, while AIPO is Technology Equities. Their fees differ too: 1.29% for VSTL and 0.69% for AIPO.