Quick Verdict

VYM has a lower expense ratio. CSCL delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.

Lower Fees: VYMHigher Returns: CSCLMore Diversified: VYM

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricCSCLVYMWinner
Expense Ratio1.07%0.04%
AUM$15M$79.0B
Dividend Yield1.22%2.86%
Holdings11568
YTD Return+123.66%+15.80%
1Y Return+154.05%+26.12%
3Y Return (annualized)-+18.25%
5Y Return (annualized)-+12.51%
Volatility (annualized)72.2%14.6%
Max Drawdown-30.6%-58.8%
Fund FamilyDirexion Shares ETF TrustVanguard (US)
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionJun 25, 2025Nov 10, 2006

CSCL vs VYM Performance

Direxion Daily CSCO Bull 2X ETF (CSCL) is a ETF from Direxion Shares ETF Trust and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year CSCL returned +154.05% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, CSCL is up 123.66% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

CSCL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 72.2% compared with 14.6% for VYM. 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 -30.6% for CSCL and -58.8% for VYM. 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 0.27. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

CSCL charges 1.07% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $107 vs $4 annually, a gap of $103 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CSCL currently yields 1.22% against 2.86% for VYM.

Holdings Overlap

1.4%overlap

CSCL and VYM share 1 holdings out of 562 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.4% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in CSCLWeight in VYMDifference
CSCO15.20%1.39%13.81%

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, CSCL or VYM?

CSCL has an expense ratio of 1.07% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $103 per year of difference.

Which performed better, CSCL or VYM?

Over the past year CSCL returned +154.05% vs +26.12% for VYM, so CSCL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), CSCL annualized +139.42% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, CSCL or VYM?

CSCL has been the more volatile fund at 72.2% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: CSCL -30.6% vs VYM -58.8%.

Should I hold both CSCL and VYM?

CSCL and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.27, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between CSCL and VYM?

CSCL and VYM share 1 common holdings with a 1.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 562 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, CSCL or VYM?

CSCL yields 1.22% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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