VOO vs VSTL
Vanguard S&P 500 ETF vs Defiance Daily Target 2X Long VST 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 | VOO | VSTL | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 1.29% | |
| AUM | $979.0B | $8M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 509 | 11 | |
| YTD Return | +14.48% | -40.99% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.02% | -66.80% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.80% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.36% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.2% | 44.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.3% | -72.0% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Defiance ETFs, LLC | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Sep 7, 2010 | Jul 21, 2025 |
VOO vs VSTL Performance
Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Defiance Daily Target 2X Long VST ETF (VSTL) is a ETF from Defiance ETFs, LLC. Over the past year VOO returned +22.02% while VSTL returned -66.80%. Year to date, VOO is up 14.48% 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 14.2% 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 -34.3% for VOO 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
VOO charges 0.03% per year while VSTL charges 1.29%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $129 annually, a gap of $126 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VOO currently yields 1.09% against 0.00% for VSTL.
Holdings Overlap
VOO and VSTL share 1 holdings out of 506 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 VOO | Weight in VSTL | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| VST | 0.08% | 24.71% | 24.63% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VOO or VSTL?
VOO has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VSTL charges 1.29%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $126 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VOO or VSTL?
Over the past year VOO returned +22.02% vs -66.80% for VSTL, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), VOO annualized +13.61% vs -59.49% for VSTL. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VOO or VSTL?
VSTL has been the more volatile fund at 44.0% annualized versus 14.2% for VOO. Worst drawdown: VOO -34.3% vs VSTL -72.0%.
Should I hold both VOO and VSTL?
VOO 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 VOO and VSTL?
VOO and VSTL share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 506 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VOO or VSTL?
VOO yields 1.09% while VSTL yields 0.00%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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