SOXL vs VTI
Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bull 3X ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. SOXL delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SOXL | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.75% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $24.3B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.01% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 43 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +155.29% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +375.74% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +78.72% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +23.06% | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 87.7% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -90.5% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 11, 2010 | May 24, 2001 |
SOXL vs VTI Performance
Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bull 3X ETF (SOXL) 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 SOXL returned +375.74% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, SOXL is up 155.29% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, SOXL compounded at +78.72% per year against +21.83% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +23.06% and +12.01% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, SOXL has the edge at +37.43% annualized vs +8.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SOXL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 87.7% 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 -90.5% for SOXL 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 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SOXL charges 0.75% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $75 vs $3 annually, a gap of $72 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SOXL currently yields 0.01% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
SOXL and VTI share 21 holdings out of 2801 unique holdings combined, representing a 15.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SOXL or VTI?
SOXL has an expense ratio of 0.75% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $72 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SOXL or VTI?
Over the past year SOXL returned +375.74% vs +22.35% for VTI, so SOXL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), SOXL annualized +37.43% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SOXL or VTI?
SOXL has been the more volatile fund at 87.7% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: SOXL -90.5% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both SOXL and VTI?
SOXL and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SOXL and VTI?
SOXL and VTI share 21 common holdings with a 15.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2801 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SOXL or VTI?
SOXL yields 0.01% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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