PALU vs VTI
Direxion Daily PANW Bull 2X ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. PALU delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PALU | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.08% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $38M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.08% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 11 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +273.54% | +14.82% | |
| 1Y Return | +272.64% | +22.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.93% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.34% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 134.1% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -62.2% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 26, 2025 | May 24, 2001 |
PALU vs VTI Performance
Direxion Daily PANW Bull 2X ETF (PALU) 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 PALU returned +272.64% while VTI returned +22.43%. Year to date, PALU is up 273.54% versus a gain of 14.82% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PALU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 134.1% 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 -62.2% for PALU 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 0.31. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PALU charges 1.08% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $108 vs $3 annually, a gap of $105 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PALU currently yields 4.08% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
PALU and VTI share 1 holdings out of 2791 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in PALU | Weight in VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| PANW | 23.80% | 0.38% | 23.42% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PALU or VTI?
PALU has an expense ratio of 1.08% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $105 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PALU or VTI?
Over the past year PALU returned +272.64% vs +22.43% for VTI, so PALU leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), PALU annualized +117.45% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PALU or VTI?
PALU has been the more volatile fund at 134.1% annualized versus 15.4% for VTI. Worst drawdown: PALU -62.2% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both PALU and VTI?
PALU and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.31, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PALU and VTI?
PALU and VTI share 1 common holdings with a 0.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2791 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PALU or VTI?
PALU yields 4.08% while VTI yields 1.07%, so PALU 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.