VSTL vs. NUG
VSTL (Defiance Daily Target 2X Long VST ETF) and NUG (Leverage Shares 2X Long NU Daily ETF) are both Leveraged Equities funds. Both are actively managed. At a 0.31 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. VSTL charges 1.29%/yr vs 0.75%/yr for NUG.
Performance
VSTL vs. NUG - Performance Comparison
Loading charts...
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, VSTL achieves a -21.40% return, which is significantly higher than NUG's -37.38% return.
VSTL
- 1D
- 5.65%
- 1M
- -4.49%
- 6M
- -13.22%
- YTD
- -21.40%
- 1Y
- -50.80%
- 3Y*
- —
- 5Y*
- —
- 10Y*
- —
- ALL TIME*
- —
NUG
- 1D
- 5.05%
- 1M
- 25.01%
- 6M
- -38.49%
- YTD
- -37.38%
- 1Y
- —
- 3Y*
- —
- 5Y*
- —
- 10Y*
- —
- ALL TIME*
- —
VSTL vs. NUG - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | |
|---|---|---|
VSTL Defiance Daily Target 2X Long VST ETF | -21.40% | -18.00% |
NUG Leverage Shares 2X Long NU Daily ETF | -37.38% | 9.30% |
Correlation
The correlation between VSTL and NUG is 0.31, 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 Nov 17, 2025 | 0.31 |
Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs
Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.
Return for Risk
VSTL vs. NUG - 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 NU Daily ETF (NUG). 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.
Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.
Loading charts...
Drawdowns
VSTL vs. NUG - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum VSTL drawdown since its inception was -71.42%, which is greater than NUG's maximum drawdown of -66.15%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VSTL and NUG.
Loading charts...
Drawdown Indicators
| VSTL | NUG | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -71.42% | -66.15% | -5.27% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -71.42% | — | — |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -61.44% | -49.34% | -12.10% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -43.00% | -34.55% | -8.45% |
Volatility
VSTL vs. NUG - Volatility Comparison
Loading charts...
Volatility by Period
| VSTL | NUG | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 96.64% | 79.01% | +17.63% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 96.64% | 79.01% | +17.63% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 96.64% | 79.01% | +17.63% |
VSTL vs. NUG - Expense Ratio Comparison
VSTL has a 1.29% expense ratio, which is higher than NUG's 0.75% expense ratio.
Dividends
VSTL vs. NUG - Dividend Comparison
Neither VSTL nor NUG has paid dividends to shareholders.
Frequently Asked Questions
VSTL and NUG have a correlation of 0.31, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
On fees, NUG is cheaper at 0.75% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
NUG is cheaper with a 0.75% expense ratio, compared with 1.29% for VSTL.
VSTL and NUG have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.
They also come from different issuers: Defiance and Leverage Shares. Their fees differ too: 1.29% for VSTL and 0.75% for NUG.
Find the right allocation for VSTL and NUG
Add both to a portfolio and optimize allocations for your target — whether that's maximizing returns, minimizing drawdowns, or balancing risk across holdings.
Open Portfolio Optimizer