NAIL vs VTI
Direxion Daily Homebuilders & Supplies Bull 3X 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 | NAIL | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.96% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $585M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.83% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 54 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -23.89% | +12.65% | |
| 1Y Return | -49.56% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -15.67% | +21.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -14.12% | +12.11% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 86.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -93.8% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 19, 2015 | May 24, 2001 |
NAIL vs VTI Performance
Direxion Daily Homebuilders & Supplies Bull 3X ETF (NAIL) 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 NAIL returned -49.56% while VTI returned +21.39%. Year to date, NAIL is down 23.89% versus a gain of 12.65% for VTI.
Over three years, NAIL compounded at -15.67% per year against +21.54% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are -14.12% and +12.11% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.07% annualized vs +0.04%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
NAIL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 86.9% 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 -93.8% for NAIL 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
NAIL 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, NAIL currently yields 0.83% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
NAIL and VTI share 40 holdings out of 2796 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, NAIL or VTI?
NAIL 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, NAIL or VTI?
Over the past year NAIL returned -49.56% vs +21.39% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), NAIL annualized +0.04% vs +8.07% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NAIL or VTI?
NAIL has been the more volatile fund at 86.9% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: NAIL -93.8% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both NAIL and VTI?
NAIL 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 NAIL and VTI?
NAIL and VTI share 40 common holdings with a 1.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2796 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NAIL or VTI?
NAIL yields 0.83% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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