PILL vs VTI
Direxion Daily Pharmaceutical & Medical Bull 3X ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. PILL delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PILL | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.98% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $21M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.38% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 64 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +71.44% | +14.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +204.80% | +22.19% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +29.77% | +21.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.38% | +12.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 60.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -88.9% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 15, 2017 | May 24, 2001 |
PILL vs VTI Performance
Direxion Daily Pharmaceutical & Medical Bull 3X ETF (PILL) 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 PILL returned +204.80% while VTI returned +22.19%. Year to date, PILL is up 71.44% versus a gain of 14.22% for VTI.
Over three years, PILL compounded at +29.77% per year against +21.27% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +0.38% and +12.23% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.14% 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 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 -88.9% for PILL 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 0.65. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PILL charges 0.98% per year while VTI 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 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
PILL and VTI share 46 holdings out of 2805 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PILL or VTI?
PILL has an expense ratio of 0.98% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $95 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PILL or VTI?
Over the past year PILL returned +204.80% vs +22.19% for VTI, so PILL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), PILL annualized -1.18% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PILL or VTI?
PILL has been the more volatile fund at 60.2% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: PILL -88.9% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both PILL and VTI?
PILL and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.65, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PILL and VTI?
PILL and VTI share 46 common holdings with a 2.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2805 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PILL or VTI?
PILL yields 0.38% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI 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.