VSTL vs. MUU

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

VSTL (Defiance Daily Target 2X Long VST ETF) and MUU (Direxion Daily MU Bull 2X Shares) are both Leveraged Equities funds. Both are actively managed. At a 0.33 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. VSTL charges 1.29%/yr vs 1.06%/yr for MUU.

Performance

VSTL vs. MUU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Defiance Daily Target 2X Long VST ETF (VSTL) and Direxion Daily MU Bull 2X Shares (MUU). 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 MUU's 558.99% return.

VSTL

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

MUU

• 1D: -26.65%
• 1M: 50.22%
• YTD: 558.99%
• 6M: 826.13%
• 1Y: 3,710.56%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

VSTL vs. MUU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
VSTL Defiance Daily Target 2X Long VST ETF	-31.04%	-37.91%
MUU Direxion Daily MU Bull 2X Shares	558.99%	459.92%

Correlation

The correlation between VSTL and MUU is 0.33, 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 Jul 23, 2025	0.33

Return for Risk

VSTL vs. MUU — Risk / Return Rank

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

MUU

MUU Risk / Return Rank: 98
MUU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 100
MUU Sortino Ratio Rank: 97
MUU Omega Ratio Rank: 96
MUU Calmar Ratio Rank: 100
MUU Martin Ratio Rank: 99

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.

VSTL vs. MUU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Defiance Daily Target 2X Long VST ETF (VSTL) and Direxion Daily MU Bull 2X Shares (MUU). 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	MUU	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	27.74	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	-0.63	4.68	-5.31

Drawdowns

VSTL vs. MUU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VSTL drawdown since its inception was -71.42%, roughly equal to the maximum MUU drawdown of -75.07%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VSTL and MUU.

Drawdown Indicators

	VSTL	MUU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-71.42%	-75.07%	+3.65%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-52.72%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-66.17%	-37.90%	-28.27%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-40.42%	-23.45%	-16.97%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	15.73%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	VSTL	MUU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	66.40%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	111.50%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	98.65%	135.81%	-37.16%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	98.65%	135.74%	-37.09%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	98.65%	135.74%	-37.09%

VSTL vs. MUU - Expense Ratio Comparison

VSTL has a 1.29% expense ratio, which is higher than MUU's 1.06% expense ratio.

Dividends

VSTL vs. MUU - Dividend Comparison

VSTL has not paid dividends to shareholders, while MUU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.73%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
MUU Direxion Daily MU Bull 2X Shares	0.73%	4.27%	0.31%
VSTL Defiance Daily Target 2X Long VST ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VSTL and MUU in my portfolio?

VSTL and MUU have a correlation of 0.33, 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 MUU?

On fees, MUU is cheaper at 1.06% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, VSTL or MUU?

MUU is cheaper with a 1.06% expense ratio, compared with 1.29% for VSTL.

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

MUU has the higher dividend yield at 0.73%, compared with 0.00% for VSTL.

What is the main difference between VSTL and MUU?

They also come from different issuers: Defiance and Direxion. Their fees differ too: 1.29% for VSTL and 1.06% for MUU.