RETL vs VYM
Direxion Daily Retail Bull 3X ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 568 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | RETL | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.96% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $30M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.51% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 81 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | -0.05% | +16.78% | |
| 1Y Return | -4.80% | +24.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +7.89% | +18.60% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -26.31% | +12.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 70.4% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -92.0% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 14, 2010 | Nov 10, 2006 |
RETL vs VYM Performance
Direxion Daily Retail Bull 3X ETF (RETL) is a ETF from Direxion Shares ETF Trust and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year RETL returned -4.80% while VYM returned +24.43%. Year to date, RETL is down 0.05% versus a gain of 16.78% for VYM.
Over three years, RETL compounded at +7.89% per year against +18.60% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are -26.31% and +12.30% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, RETL has the edge at +13.36% annualized vs +7.11%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
RETL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 70.4% compared with 14.6% for VYM. 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 -58.8% for VYM. 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 0.66. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RETL charges 0.96% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $96 vs $4 annually, a gap of $92 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RETL currently yields 0.51% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
RETL and VYM share 20 holdings out of 616 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, RETL or VYM?
RETL has an expense ratio of 0.96% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $92 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RETL or VYM?
Over the past year RETL returned -4.80% vs +24.43% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), RETL annualized +13.36% vs +7.11% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RETL or VYM?
RETL has been the more volatile fund at 70.4% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: RETL -92.0% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both RETL and VYM?
RETL and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.66, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between RETL and VYM?
RETL and VYM share 20 common holdings with a 2.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 616 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RETL or VYM?
RETL yields 0.51% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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