VUSB vs. SOXL

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

VUSB (Vanguard Ultra-Short Bond ETF) and SOXL (Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bull 3X ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VUSB is a Ultrashort Bond fund actively managed by Vanguard, while SOXL is a Leveraged Equities fund tracking the ICE Semiconductor Index. VUSB is actively managed, while SOXL is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, VUSB returned 3.45%/yr vs 43.69%/yr for SOXL. At a 0.08 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. VUSB charges 0.10%/yr vs 0.75%/yr for SOXL.

Performance

VUSB vs. SOXL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Ultra-Short Bond ETF (VUSB) and Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bull 3X ETF (SOXL). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VUSB achieves a 1.48% return, which is significantly lower than SOXL's 458.36% return.

VUSB

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.34%
• YTD: 1.48%
• 6M: 1.78%
• 1Y: 4.47%
• 3Y*: 5.40%
• 5Y*: 3.45%
• 10Y*: —

SOXL

• 1D: 4.77%
• 1M: 27.38%
• YTD: 458.36%
• 6M: 462.65%
• 1Y: 985.71%
• 3Y*: 110.81%
• 5Y*: 43.69%
• 10Y*: 63.20%

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

VUSB vs. SOXL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
VUSB Vanguard Ultra-Short Bond ETF	1.48%	5.20%	5.68%	5.52%	-0.36%	0.08%
SOXL Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bull 3X ETF	458.36%	54.91%	-12.31%	226.98%	-85.66%	56.82%

Correlation

The correlation between VUSB and SOXL is 0.12, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.12
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.08
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.08
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 7, 2021	0.08

VUSB vs. SOXL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VUSB	SOXL
Technology	0.2%	100.0%
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

VUSB vs. SOXL — Risk / Return Rank

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

VUSB

VUSB Risk / Return Rank: 99
VUSB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 99
VUSB Sortino Ratio Rank: 99
VUSB Omega Ratio Rank: 99
VUSB Calmar Ratio Rank: 98
VUSB Martin Ratio Rank: 98

SOXL

SOXL Risk / Return Rank: 97
SOXL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 99
SOXL Sortino Ratio Rank: 94
SOXL Omega Ratio Rank: 94
SOXL Calmar Ratio Rank: 99
SOXL Martin Ratio Rank: 98

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.

VUSB vs. SOXL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Ultra-Short Bond ETF (VUSB) and Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bull 3X ETF (SOXL). 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.

	VUSB	SOXL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	6.91	8.99	-2.08
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	12.46	4.23	+8.23
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	3.34	1.60	+1.74
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	12.12	22.91	-10.79
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	69.82	74.51	-4.68

VUSB vs. SOXL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VUSB Sharpe Ratio is 6.91, which is comparable to the SOXL Sharpe Ratio of 8.99. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VUSB and SOXL, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

VUSB vs. SOXL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VUSB drawdown since its inception was -1.79%, smaller than the maximum SOXL drawdown of -90.46%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VUSB and SOXL.

Drawdown Indicators

	VUSB	SOXL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-1.79%	-90.46%	+88.67%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-0.37%	-43.47%	+43.10%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-0.46%	-87.88%	+87.42%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-1.79%	-90.46%	+88.67%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-90.46%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-16.35%	+16.35%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.27%	-34.99%	+34.72%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.06%	13.35%	-13.29%

Volatility

VUSB vs. SOXL - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Ultra-Short Bond ETF (VUSB) is 0.19%, while Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bull 3X ETF (SOXL) has a volatility of 58.17%. This indicates that VUSB experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SOXL based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VUSB	SOXL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.19%	58.17%	-57.98%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	0.53%	93.93%	-93.40%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.65%	110.81%	-110.16%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	0.83%	108.96%	-108.13%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	0.82%	99.99%	-99.17%

VUSB vs. SOXL - Expense Ratio Comparison

VUSB has a 0.10% expense ratio, which is lower than SOXL's 0.75% expense ratio.

Dividends

VUSB vs. SOXL - Dividend Comparison

VUSB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.39%, more than SOXL's 0.03% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
SOXL Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bull 3X ETF	0.03%	0.34%	1.18%	0.51%	1.07%	0.04%	0.05%	0.38%	1.30%	0.09%	4.84%
VUSB Vanguard Ultra-Short Bond ETF	4.39%	4.63%	5.16%	4.45%	1.56%	0.26%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VUSB and SOXL in my portfolio?

VUSB and SOXL have a correlation of 0.12, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VUSB or SOXL?

SOXL has higher volatility (58.17%) compared to VUSB (0.19%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VUSB dropped -1.79% vs SOXL's -90.46%.

Which ETF is better, VUSB or SOXL?

On 5-year performance, SOXL leads with 43.69% vs 3.45% for VUSB. On fees, VUSB is cheaper at 0.10% per year. On volatility, VUSB has been the lower-risk option at 0.19%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VUSB or SOXL?

Over the 5-year period, SOXL has performed better with a 43.69% return vs 3.45%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VUSB or SOXL?

VUSB is cheaper with a 0.10% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for SOXL.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VUSB or SOXL?

VUSB has the higher dividend yield at 4.39%, compared with 0.03% for SOXL.

What is the main difference between VUSB and SOXL?

VUSB is categorized as Ultrashort Bond, while SOXL is Leveraged Equities. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and Direxion. Their fees differ too: 0.10% for VUSB and 0.75% for SOXL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SOXL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (8.99 vs 6.91), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.