VSTL vs VTI
Defiance Daily Target 2X Long VST ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VSTL | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.29% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $10M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 11 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -47.09% | +12.65% | |
| 1Y Return | -65.97% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.11% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 44.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -72.8% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Defiance ETFs, LLC | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 21, 2025 | May 24, 2001 |
VSTL vs VTI Performance
Defiance Daily Target 2X Long VST ETF (VSTL) is a ETF from Defiance ETFs, LLC and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VSTL returned -65.97% while VTI returned +21.39%. Year to date, VSTL is down 47.09% versus a gain of 12.65% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VSTL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 44.3% 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 -72.8% for VSTL 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 0.53. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VSTL charges 1.29% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $129 vs $3 annually, a gap of $126 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VSTL currently yields 0.00% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
VSTL and VTI share 1 holdings out of 2788 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 VSTL | Weight in VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| VST | 24.36% | 0.07% | 24.29% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VSTL or VTI?
VSTL has an expense ratio of 1.29% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $126 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VSTL or VTI?
Over the past year VSTL returned -65.97% vs +21.39% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), VSTL annualized -62.80% vs +8.07% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VSTL or VTI?
VSTL has been the more volatile fund at 44.3% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: VSTL -72.8% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both VSTL and VTI?
VSTL and VTI 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 VSTL and VTI?
VSTL and VTI share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2788 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VSTL or VTI?
VSTL yields 0.00% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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