UTSL vs VTI
UTSL vs VTI
Direxion Daily Utilities Bull 3X 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 | UTSL | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.97% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $41M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.55% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 40 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -3.73% | +14.20% | |
| 1Y Return | -6.21% | +24.16% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.84% | +21.12% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.71% | +12.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 47.7% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -79.5% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | May 3, 2017 | May 24, 2001 |
UTSL vs VTI Performance
Direxion Daily Utilities Bull 3X ETF (UTSL) 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 UTSL returned -6.21% while VTI returned +24.16%. Year to date, UTSL is down 3.73% versus a gain of 14.20% for VTI.
Over three years, UTSL compounded at +21.84% per year against +21.12% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +5.71% and +12.37% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.14% annualized vs +6.38%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
UTSL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 47.7% 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 -79.5% for UTSL 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 0.48. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
UTSL charges 0.97% per year while VTI 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 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
UTSL and VTI share 28 holdings out of 2790 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in UTSL | Weight in VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NEE | 8.16% | 0.25% | 7.91% |
| SO | 4.81% | 0.15% | 4.66% |
| DUK | 4.42% | 0.14% | 4.28% |
| CEG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AEP | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| SRE | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| D | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ETR | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| VST | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| XEL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings UTSL shares with VTI Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, UTSL or VTI?
UTSL has an expense ratio of 0.97% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $94 per year of difference.
Which performed better, UTSL or VTI?
Over the past year UTSL returned -6.21% vs +24.16% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), UTSL annualized +6.38% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, UTSL or VTI?
UTSL has been the more volatile fund at 47.7% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: UTSL -79.5% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both UTSL and VTI?
UTSL and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.48, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between UTSL and VTI?
UTSL and VTI share 28 common holdings with a 1.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2790 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, UTSL or VTI?
UTSL yields 1.55% while VTI yields 1.07%, so UTSL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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