VSTL vs. SPYT

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

VSTL (Defiance Daily Target 2X Long VST ETF) and SPYT (Defiance S&P 500 Income Target ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VSTL is a Leveraged Equities fund actively managed by Defiance, while SPYT is a Derivative Income fund actively managed by Defiance. Both are actively managed. At a 0.38 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. VSTL charges 1.29%/yr vs 0.87%/yr for SPYT.

Performance

VSTL vs. SPYT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Defiance Daily Target 2X Long VST ETF (VSTL) and Defiance S&P 500 Income Target ETF (SPYT). 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 SPYT's 7.34% return.

VSTL

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

SPYT

• 1D: -2.54%
• 1M: 0.01%
• YTD: 7.34%
• 6M: 7.09%
• 1Y: 20.91%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

VSTL vs. SPYT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
VSTL Defiance Daily Target 2X Long VST ETF	-31.04%	-37.91%
SPYT Defiance S&P 500 Income Target ETF	7.34%	7.26%

Correlation

The correlation between VSTL and SPYT is 0.38, 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	0.38

Return for Risk

VSTL vs. SPYT — Risk / Return Rank

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

SPYT

SPYT Risk / Return Rank: 60
SPYT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
SPYT Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
SPYT Omega Ratio Rank: 64
SPYT Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
SPYT Martin Ratio Rank: 68

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. SPYT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Defiance Daily Target 2X Long VST ETF (VSTL) and Defiance S&P 500 Income Target ETF (SPYT). 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	SPYT	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	1.88	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	-0.63	1.00	-1.63

Drawdowns

VSTL vs. SPYT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VSTL drawdown since its inception was -71.42%, which is greater than SPYT's maximum drawdown of -18.25%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VSTL and SPYT.

Drawdown Indicators

	VSTL	SPYT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-71.42%	-18.25%	-53.17%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-8.00%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-66.17%	-2.81%	-63.36%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-40.42%	-2.00%	-38.42%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	1.73%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	VSTL	SPYT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	3.59%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	8.73%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	98.65%	11.17%	+87.48%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	98.65%	14.88%	+83.77%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	98.65%	14.88%	+83.77%

VSTL vs. SPYT - Expense Ratio Comparison

VSTL has a 1.29% expense ratio, which is higher than SPYT's 0.87% expense ratio.

Dividends

VSTL vs. SPYT - Dividend Comparison

VSTL has not paid dividends to shareholders, while SPYT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 21.18%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
SPYT Defiance S&P 500 Income Target ETF	21.18%	21.40%	17.37%
VSTL Defiance Daily Target 2X Long VST ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VSTL and SPYT in my portfolio?

VSTL and SPYT have a correlation of 0.38, 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 SPYT?

On fees, SPYT is cheaper at 0.87% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, VSTL or SPYT?

SPYT is cheaper with a 0.87% expense ratio, compared with 1.29% for VSTL.

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

SPYT has the higher dividend yield at 21.18%, compared with 0.00% for VSTL.

What is the main difference between VSTL and SPYT?

VSTL is categorized as Leveraged Equities, while SPYT is Derivative Income. Their fees differ too: 1.29% for VSTL and 0.87% for SPYT.