SPY vs VSTL
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs Defiance Daily Target 2X Long VST ETF
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPY | VSTL | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 1.29% | |
| AUM | $789.1B | $8M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 11 | |
| YTD Return | +14.47% | -40.99% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.96% | -66.80% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.70% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.30% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 44.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -72.0% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Defiance ETFs, LLC | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Jul 21, 2025 |
SPY vs VSTL Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Defiance Daily Target 2X Long VST ETF (VSTL) is a ETF from Defiance ETFs, LLC. Over the past year SPY returned +21.96% while VSTL returned -66.80%. Year to date, SPY is up 14.47% versus a loss of 40.99% for VSTL.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VSTL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 44.0% compared with 15.3% for SPY. 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 -56.5% for SPY and -72.0% for VSTL. 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 0.53. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while VSTL charges 1.29%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $129 annually, a gap of $120 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 0.00% for VSTL.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and VSTL share 1 holdings out of 504 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in SPY | Weight in VSTL | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| VST | 0.08% | 24.71% | 24.63% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPY or VSTL?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while VSTL charges 1.29%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $120 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or VSTL?
Over the past year SPY returned +21.96% vs -66.80% for VSTL, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), SPY annualized +8.87% vs -59.49% for VSTL. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or VSTL?
VSTL has been the more volatile fund at 44.0% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs VSTL -72.0%.
Should I hold both SPY and VSTL?
SPY and VSTL have a monthly-return correlation of 0.53, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and VSTL?
SPY and VSTL share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 504 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or VSTL?
SPY yields 1.01% while VSTL yields 0.00%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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