DRN vs VTI
Direxion Daily Real Estate Bull 3X ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DRN | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.96% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $49M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.97% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 36 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +31.87% | +14.96% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.31% | +22.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +9.79% | +21.51% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -12.13% | +12.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 53.3% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -86.3% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 16, 2009 | May 24, 2001 |
DRN vs VTI Performance
Direxion Daily Real Estate Bull 3X ETF (DRN) 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 DRN returned +22.31% while VTI returned +22.39%. Year to date, DRN is up 31.87% versus a gain of 14.96% for VTI.
Over three years, DRN compounded at +9.79% per year against +21.51% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are -12.13% and +12.36% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, DRN has the edge at +11.82% annualized vs +8.16%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DRN has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 53.3% 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 -86.3% for DRN 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
DRN 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, DRN currently yields 1.97% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
DRN and VTI share 26 holdings out of 2790 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DRN or VTI?
DRN 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, DRN or VTI?
Over the past year DRN returned +22.31% vs +22.39% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), DRN annualized +11.82% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DRN or VTI?
DRN has been the more volatile fund at 53.3% annualized versus 15.4% for VTI. Worst drawdown: DRN -86.3% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both DRN and VTI?
DRN 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 DRN and VTI?
DRN and VTI share 26 common holdings with a 1.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2790 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DRN or VTI?
DRN yields 1.97% while VTI yields 1.07%, so DRN currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.