VSTL vs. CIFG

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

VSTL (Defiance Daily Target 2X Long VST ETF) and CIFG (Leverage Shares 2X Long CIFR Daily ETF) are both Leveraged Equities funds. Both are actively managed. At a 0.36 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. VSTL charges 1.29%/yr vs 0.75%/yr for CIFG.

Performance

VSTL vs. CIFG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Defiance Daily Target 2X Long VST ETF (VSTL) and Leverage Shares 2X Long CIFR Daily ETF (CIFG). 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 CIFG's 36.43% return.

VSTL

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

CIFG

• 1D: -24.56%
• 1M: -4.83%
• YTD: 36.43%
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

VSTL vs. CIFG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
VSTL Defiance Daily Target 2X Long VST ETF	-31.04%	-16.03%
CIFG Leverage Shares 2X Long CIFR Daily ETF	36.43%	-42.39%

Correlation

The correlation between VSTL and CIFG is 0.36, 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 Dec 12, 2025	0.36

Return for Risk

VSTL vs. CIFG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Defiance Daily Target 2X Long VST ETF (VSTL) and Leverage Shares 2X Long CIFR Daily ETF (CIFG). 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	CIFG	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	-0.63	-0.19	-0.44

Drawdowns

VSTL vs. CIFG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VSTL drawdown since its inception was -71.42%, roughly equal to the maximum CIFG drawdown of -71.71%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VSTL and CIFG.

Drawdown Indicators

	VSTL	CIFG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-71.42%	-71.71%	+0.29%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-66.17%	-29.31%	-36.86%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-40.42%	-37.67%	-2.75%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	VSTL	CIFG	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	98.65%	205.67%	-107.02%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	98.65%	205.67%	-107.02%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	98.65%	205.67%	-107.02%

VSTL vs. CIFG - Expense Ratio Comparison

VSTL has a 1.29% expense ratio, which is higher than CIFG's 0.75% expense ratio.

Dividends

VSTL vs. CIFG - Dividend Comparison

Neither VSTL nor CIFG has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VSTL and CIFG in my portfolio?

VSTL and CIFG have a correlation of 0.36, 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 CIFG?

On fees, CIFG is cheaper at 0.75% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, VSTL or CIFG?

CIFG is cheaper with a 0.75% expense ratio, compared with 1.29% for VSTL.

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

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

What is the main difference between VSTL and CIFG?

They also come from different issuers: Defiance and Leverage Shares. Their fees differ too: 1.29% for VSTL and 0.75% for CIFG.