SPDN vs VTI
SPDN vs VTI
Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bear 1X ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPDN | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.48% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $209M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.34% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -9.42% | +14.20% | |
| 1Y Return | -14.34% | +24.16% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -12.61% | +21.12% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -8.51% | +12.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -76.7% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 8, 2016 | May 24, 2001 |
SPDN vs VTI Performance
Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bear 1X ETF (SPDN) is a ETF from Direxion Shares ETF Trust and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SPDN returned -14.34% while VTI returned +24.16%. Year to date, SPDN is down 9.42% versus a gain of 14.20% for VTI.
Over three years, SPDN compounded at -12.61% per year against +21.12% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are -8.51% and +12.37% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.14% annualized vs -12.88%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 14.6% for SPDN. 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 -76.7% for SPDN 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 -0.98. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPDN charges 0.48% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $48 vs $3 annually, a gap of $45 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPDN currently yields 3.34% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
SPDN and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2786 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, SPDN or VTI?
SPDN has an expense ratio of 0.48% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $45 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPDN or VTI?
Over the past year SPDN returned -14.34% vs +24.16% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), SPDN annualized -12.88% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPDN or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 14.6% for SPDN. Worst drawdown: SPDN -76.7% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both SPDN and VTI?
SPDN and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of -0.98, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPDN and VTI?
SPDN and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2786 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPDN or VTI?
SPDN yields 3.34% while VTI yields 1.07%, so SPDN currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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