SOXS vs VTI
Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bear 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 | SOXS | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.00% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.5B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.82% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 12 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -91.29% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | -96.70% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -86.43% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -79.14% | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 72.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -100.0% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 11, 2010 | May 24, 2001 |
SOXS vs VTI Performance
Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bear 3X ETF (SOXS) 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 SOXS returned -96.70% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, SOXS is down 91.29% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, SOXS compounded at -86.43% per year against +21.83% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are -79.14% and +12.01% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.09% annualized vs -70.91%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SOXS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 72.9% 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 -100.0% for SOXS 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 -0.71. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SOXS charges 1.00% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $100 vs $3 annually, a gap of $97 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SOXS currently yields 7.82% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
SOXS and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2791 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, SOXS or VTI?
SOXS has an expense ratio of 1.00% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $97 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SOXS or VTI?
Over the past year SOXS returned -96.70% vs +22.35% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), SOXS annualized -70.91% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SOXS or VTI?
SOXS has been the more volatile fund at 72.9% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: SOXS -100.0% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both SOXS and VTI?
SOXS and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of -0.71, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SOXS and VTI?
SOXS and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2791 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SOXS or VTI?
SOXS yields 7.82% while VTI yields 1.07%, so SOXS 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.