PILL vs VOO
Direxion Daily Pharmaceutical & Medical Bull 3X ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. PILL delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PILL | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.98% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $21M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.38% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 64 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +71.44% | +13.72% | |
| 1Y Return | +204.80% | +21.63% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +29.77% | +21.55% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.38% | +13.26% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 60.2% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -88.9% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 15, 2017 | Sep 7, 2010 |
PILL vs VOO Performance
Direxion Daily Pharmaceutical & Medical Bull 3X ETF (PILL) is a ETF from Direxion Shares ETF Trust and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PILL returned +204.80% while VOO returned +21.63%. Year to date, PILL is up 71.44% versus a gain of 13.72% for VOO.
Over three years, PILL compounded at +29.77% per year against +21.55% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +0.38% and +13.26% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.56% annualized vs -1.18%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PILL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 60.2% compared with 14.1% for VOO. 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 -88.9% for PILL and -34.3% for VOO. 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
PILL charges 0.98% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $98 vs $3 annually, a gap of $95 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PILL currently yields 0.38% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
PILL and VOO share 7 holdings out of 566 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PILL or VOO?
PILL has an expense ratio of 0.98% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $95 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PILL or VOO?
Over the past year PILL returned +204.80% vs +21.63% for VOO, so PILL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), PILL annualized -1.18% vs +13.56% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PILL or VOO?
PILL has been the more volatile fund at 60.2% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: PILL -88.9% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both PILL and VOO?
PILL and VOO 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 PILL and VOO?
PILL and VOO share 7 common holdings with a 3.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 566 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PILL or VOO?
PILL yields 0.38% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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