RETL vs VTI
Direxion Daily Retail 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 | RETL | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.96% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $27M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.49% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 82 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -9.02% | +12.65% | |
| 1Y Return | -9.41% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +7.59% | +21.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -26.97% | +12.11% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 70.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -92.0% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 14, 2010 | May 24, 2001 |
RETL vs VTI Performance
Direxion Daily Retail Bull 3X ETF (RETL) 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 RETL returned -9.41% while VTI returned +21.39%. Year to date, RETL is down 9.02% versus a gain of 12.65% for VTI.
Over three years, RETL compounded at +7.59% per year against +21.54% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are -26.97% and +12.11% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, RETL has the edge at +12.68% annualized vs +8.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
RETL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 70.5% 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 -92.0% for RETL 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 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RETL 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, RETL currently yields 0.49% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
RETL and VTI share 60 holdings out of 2805 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, RETL or VTI?
RETL 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, RETL or VTI?
Over the past year RETL returned -9.41% vs +21.39% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), RETL annualized +12.68% vs +8.07% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RETL or VTI?
RETL has been the more volatile fund at 70.5% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: RETL -92.0% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both RETL and VTI?
RETL and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between RETL and VTI?
RETL and VTI share 60 common holdings with a 3.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2805 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RETL or VTI?
RETL yields 0.49% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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