VSTL vs. BEX

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

VSTL (Defiance Daily Target 2X Long VST ETF) and BEX (Tradr 2X Long BE Daily ETF) are both Leveraged Equities funds. Both are actively managed. Their correlation of 0.86 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VSTL charges 1.29%/yr vs 1.30%/yr for BEX.

Performance

VSTL vs. BEX - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

VSTL

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

BEX

• 1D: -18.87%
• 1M: —
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

VSTL vs. BEX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
VSTL Defiance Daily Target 2X Long VST ETF	-19.47%
BEX Tradr 2X Long BE Daily ETF	-26.07%

Correlation

The correlation between VSTL and BEX is 0.86, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 27, 2026	0.86

Return for Risk

VSTL vs. BEX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Defiance Daily Target 2X Long VST ETF (VSTL) and Tradr 2X Long BE Daily ETF (BEX). 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	BEX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	-0.63	-0.57	-0.06

Drawdowns

VSTL vs. BEX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VSTL drawdown since its inception was -71.42%, which is greater than BEX's maximum drawdown of -26.07%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VSTL and BEX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VSTL	BEX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-71.42%	-26.07%	-45.35%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-66.17%	-26.07%	-40.10%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-40.42%	-11.43%	-28.99%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	VSTL	BEX	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	98.65%	187.58%	-88.93%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	98.65%	187.58%	-88.93%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	98.65%	187.58%	-88.93%

VSTL vs. BEX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VSTL has a 1.29% expense ratio, which is lower than BEX's 1.30% expense ratio.

Dividends

VSTL vs. BEX - Dividend Comparison

Neither VSTL nor BEX has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VSTL and BEX in my portfolio?

VSTL and BEX have a correlation of 0.86, 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 BEX?

On fees, VSTL is cheaper at 1.29% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, VSTL or BEX?

VSTL is cheaper with a 1.29% expense ratio, compared with 1.30% for BEX.

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

VSTL and BEX have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between VSTL and BEX?

They also come from different issuers: Defiance and Tradr. Their fees differ too: 1.29% for VSTL and 1.30% for BEX.