LABU vs VTI
Direxion Daily S&P Biotech Bull 3X ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. LABU delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | LABU | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.96% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $533M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.35% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 160 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +78.20% | +13.87% | |
| 1Y Return | +371.55% | +23.31% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +40.76% | +21.17% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -24.25% | +12.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 85.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -99.2% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | May 28, 2015 | May 24, 2001 |
LABU vs VTI Performance
Direxion Daily S&P Biotech Bull 3X ETF (LABU) 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 LABU returned +371.55% while VTI returned +23.31%. Year to date, LABU is up 78.20% versus a gain of 13.87% for VTI.
Over three years, LABU compounded at +40.76% per year against +21.17% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are -24.25% and +12.23% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.13% annualized vs -19.16%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
LABU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 85.2% 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 -99.2% for LABU 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 0.62. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
LABU 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, LABU currently yields 0.35% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
LABU and VTI share 116 holdings out of 2821 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, LABU or VTI?
LABU 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, LABU or VTI?
Over the past year LABU returned +371.55% vs +23.31% for VTI, so LABU leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), LABU annualized -19.16% vs +8.13% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, LABU or VTI?
LABU has been the more volatile fund at 85.2% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: LABU -99.2% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both LABU and VTI?
LABU and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.62, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between LABU and VTI?
LABU and VTI share 116 common holdings with a 1.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2821 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, LABU or VTI?
LABU yields 0.35% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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