RKLX vs VTI
Defiance Daily Target 2X Long RKLB 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 | RKLX | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.29% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $270M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 36.26% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 11 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -58.04% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | -18.29% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 209.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -88.1% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Defiance ETFs, LLC | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 12, 2025 | May 24, 2001 |
RKLX vs VTI Performance
Defiance Daily Target 2X Long RKLB ETF (RKLX) is a ETF from Defiance ETFs, LLC and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year RKLX returned -18.29% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, RKLX is down 58.04% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
RKLX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 209.8% 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 -88.1% for RKLX 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 0.50. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RKLX charges 1.29% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $129 vs $3 annually, a gap of $126 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RKLX currently yields 36.26% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
RKLX and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2788 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, RKLX or VTI?
RKLX has an expense ratio of 1.29% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $126 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RKLX or VTI?
Over the past year RKLX returned -18.29% vs +22.35% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), RKLX annualized +123.31% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RKLX or VTI?
RKLX has been the more volatile fund at 209.8% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: RKLX -88.1% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both RKLX and VTI?
RKLX and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.50, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between RKLX and VTI?
RKLX and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2788 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RKLX or VTI?
RKLX yields 36.26% while VTI yields 1.07%, so RKLX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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