UTSL vs VOO
Direxion Daily Utilities Bull 3X ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | UTSL | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.97% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $41M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.55% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 40 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | -6.79% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | -7.07% | +23.01% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.02% | +21.78% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.98% | +13.39% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 47.8% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -79.5% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | May 3, 2017 | Sep 7, 2010 |
UTSL vs VOO Performance
Direxion Daily Utilities Bull 3X ETF (UTSL) is a ETF from Direxion Shares ETF Trust and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year UTSL returned -7.07% while VOO returned +23.01%. Year to date, UTSL is down 6.79% versus a gain of 13.79% for VOO.
Over three years, UTSL compounded at +20.02% per year against +21.78% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +4.98% and +13.39% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.57% annualized vs +6.00%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
UTSL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 47.8% compared with 14.1% for VOO. 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 -79.5% for UTSL and -34.3% for VOO. 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 0.49. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
UTSL charges 0.97% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $97 vs $3 annually, a gap of $94 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, UTSL currently yields 1.55% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
UTSL and VOO share 31 holdings out of 509 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, UTSL or VOO?
UTSL has an expense ratio of 0.97% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $94 per year of difference.
Which performed better, UTSL or VOO?
Over the past year UTSL returned -7.07% vs +23.01% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), UTSL annualized +6.00% vs +13.57% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, UTSL or VOO?
UTSL has been the more volatile fund at 47.8% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: UTSL -79.5% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both UTSL and VOO?
UTSL and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.49, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between UTSL and VOO?
UTSL and VOO share 31 common holdings with a 2.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 509 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, UTSL or VOO?
UTSL yields 1.55% while VOO yields 1.09%, so UTSL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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