AAPU vs VTI
Direxion Daily AAPL Bull 2X ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. AAPU delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AAPU | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.96% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $185M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.08% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 11 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +17.97% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +62.65% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +30.67% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 43.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.6% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 9, 2022 | May 24, 2001 |
AAPU vs VTI Performance
Direxion Daily AAPL Bull 2X ETF (AAPU) is a ETF from Direxion Shares ETF Trust and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year AAPU returned +62.65% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, AAPU is up 17.97% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, AAPU compounded at +30.67% per year against +21.83% for VTI. Across the full 4-year window we track, AAPU has the edge at +22.74% annualized vs +8.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AAPU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 43.9% compared with 15.3% for VTI. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -58.6% for AAPU and -56.6% for VTI. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.53. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AAPU charges 0.96% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $96 vs $3 annually, a gap of $93 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AAPU currently yields 6.08% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
AAPU and VTI share 1 holdings out of 2792 unique holdings combined, representing a 5.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in AAPU | Weight in VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| AAPL | 10.26% | 5.84% | 4.42% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AAPU or VTI?
AAPU has an expense ratio of 0.96% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $93 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AAPU or VTI?
Over the past year AAPU returned +62.65% vs +22.35% for VTI, so AAPU leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), AAPU annualized +22.74% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AAPU or VTI?
AAPU has been the more volatile fund at 43.9% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: AAPU -58.6% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both AAPU and VTI?
AAPU and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.53, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AAPU and VTI?
AAPU and VTI share 1 common holdings with a 5.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2792 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AAPU or VTI?
AAPU yields 6.08% while VTI yields 1.07%, so AAPU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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