DUST vs VTI
Direxion Daily Gold Miners Index Bear 2X ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DUST | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.94% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $78M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.37% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 7 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -55.65% | +12.65% | |
| 1Y Return | -82.47% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -70.36% | +21.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -55.96% | +12.11% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 90.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -100.0% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 8, 2010 | May 24, 2001 |
DUST vs VTI Performance
Direxion Daily Gold Miners Index Bear 2X ETF (DUST) 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 DUST returned -82.47% while VTI returned +21.39%. Year to date, DUST is down 55.65% versus a gain of 12.65% for VTI.
Over three years, DUST compounded at -70.36% per year against +21.54% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are -55.96% and +12.11% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.07% annualized vs -50.84%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DUST has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 90.3% 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 -100.0% for DUST 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 -0.11. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DUST charges 0.94% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $94 vs $3 annually, a gap of $91 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DUST currently yields 4.37% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
DUST and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2789 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DUST or VTI?
DUST has an expense ratio of 0.94% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $91 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DUST or VTI?
Over the past year DUST returned -82.47% vs +21.39% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), DUST annualized -50.84% vs +8.07% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DUST or VTI?
DUST has been the more volatile fund at 90.3% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: DUST -100.0% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both DUST and VTI?
DUST and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of -0.11, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DUST and VTI?
DUST and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2789 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DUST or VTI?
DUST yields 4.37% while VTI yields 1.07%, so DUST currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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