DFEN vs VTI
Direxion Daily Aerospace & Defense Bull 3X ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. DFEN delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DFEN | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.96% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $408M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.07% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 55 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +20.59% | +14.96% | |
| 1Y Return | +61.91% | +22.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +66.97% | +21.51% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +33.88% | +12.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 66.7% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -91.4% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | May 3, 2017 | May 24, 2001 |
DFEN vs VTI Performance
Direxion Daily Aerospace & Defense Bull 3X ETF (DFEN) is a ETF from Direxion Shares ETF Trust and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DFEN returned +61.91% while VTI returned +22.39%. Year to date, DFEN is up 20.59% versus a gain of 14.96% for VTI.
Over three years, DFEN compounded at +66.97% per year against +21.51% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +33.88% and +12.36% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, DFEN has the edge at +16.11% annualized vs +8.16%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DFEN has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 66.7% compared with 15.4% 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 -91.4% for DFEN 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 0.72. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DFEN 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, DFEN currently yields 7.07% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
DFEN and VTI share 44 holdings out of 2791 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DFEN or VTI?
DFEN 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, DFEN or VTI?
Over the past year DFEN returned +61.91% vs +22.39% for VTI, so DFEN leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), DFEN annualized +16.11% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DFEN or VTI?
DFEN has been the more volatile fund at 66.7% annualized versus 15.4% for VTI. Worst drawdown: DFEN -91.4% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both DFEN and VTI?
DFEN and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.72, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DFEN and VTI?
DFEN and VTI share 44 common holdings with a 2.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2791 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DFEN or VTI?
DFEN yields 7.07% while VTI yields 1.07%, so DFEN currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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