VSTL vs. SPUU

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

VSTL (Defiance Daily Target 2X Long VST ETF) and SPUU (Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bull 2x Shares) are both Leveraged Equities funds. VSTL is actively managed, while SPUU is passively managed. At a 0.37 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. VSTL charges 1.29%/yr vs 0.64%/yr for SPUU.

Performance

VSTL vs. SPUU - 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 S&P 500 Bull 2x Shares (SPUU). 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 SPUU's 14.23% return.

VSTL

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

SPUU

• 1D: -5.33%
• 1M: 0.43%
• YTD: 14.23%
• 6M: 13.00%
• 1Y: 47.88%
• 3Y*: 35.98%
• 5Y*: 19.05%
• 10Y*: 23.99%

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

VSTL vs. SPUU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
VSTL Defiance Daily Target 2X Long VST ETF	-31.04%	-37.91%
SPUU Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bull 2x Shares	14.23%	15.39%

Correlation

The correlation between VSTL and SPUU is 0.37, 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	0.37

Return for Risk

VSTL vs. SPUU — Risk / Return Rank

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

SPUU

SPUU Risk / Return Rank: 58
SPUU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 60
SPUU Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
SPUU Omega Ratio Rank: 56
SPUU Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
SPUU Martin Ratio Rank: 65

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. SPUU - 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 S&P 500 Bull 2x Shares (SPUU). 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	SPUU	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	1.97	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.57	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.67	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	-0.63	0.62	-1.25

Drawdowns

VSTL vs. SPUU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VSTL drawdown since its inception was -71.42%, which is greater than SPUU's maximum drawdown of -59.35%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VSTL and SPUU.

Drawdown Indicators

	VSTL	SPUU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-71.42%	-59.35%	-12.07%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-18.19%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-35.18%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-46.59%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-59.35%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-66.17%	-5.88%	-60.29%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-40.42%	-9.50%	-30.92%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	4.13%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	VSTL	SPUU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	7.66%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	18.95%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	98.65%	24.51%	+74.14%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	98.65%	33.53%	+65.12%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	98.65%	35.80%	+62.85%

VSTL vs. SPUU - Expense Ratio Comparison

VSTL has a 1.29% expense ratio, which is higher than SPUU's 0.64% expense ratio.

Dividends

VSTL vs. SPUU - Dividend Comparison

VSTL has not paid dividends to shareholders, while SPUU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.40%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SPUU Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bull 2x Shares	1.40%	1.63%	0.55%	0.83%	0.88%	3.04%	8.03%	1.80%	5.50%	6.96%	8.08%	4.42%
VSTL Defiance Daily Target 2X Long VST ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VSTL and SPUU in my portfolio?

VSTL and SPUU have a correlation of 0.37, 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 SPUU?

On fees, SPUU is cheaper at 0.64% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, VSTL or SPUU?

SPUU is cheaper with a 0.64% expense ratio, compared with 1.29% for VSTL.

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

SPUU has the higher dividend yield at 1.40%, compared with 0.00% for VSTL.

What is the main difference between VSTL and SPUU?

They also come from different issuers: Defiance and Direxion. Their fees differ too: 1.29% for VSTL and 0.64% for SPUU.