SPUU vs VTI

Quick Verdict

VTI has a lower expense ratio. SPUU delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.

Lower Fees: VTIHigher Returns: SPUUMore Diversified: VTI

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricSPUUVTIWinner
Expense Ratio0.60%0.03%
AUM$248M$663.5B
Dividend Yield1.34%1.07%
Holdings5103,543
YTD Return+23.32%+13.57%
1Y Return+43.76%+24.23%
3Y Return (annualized)+35.23%+20.73%
5Y Return (annualized)+18.80%+12.24%
Volatility (annualized)30.4%15.3%
Max Drawdown-59.4%-56.6%
Fund FamilyDirexion Shares ETF TrustVanguard (US)
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionMay 28, 2014May 24, 2001

SPUU vs VTI Performance

Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bull 2X ETF (SPUU) 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 SPUU returned +43.76% while VTI returned +24.23%. Year to date, SPUU is up 23.32% versus a gain of 13.57% for VTI.

Over three years, SPUU compounded at +35.23% per year against +20.73% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +18.80% and +12.24% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, SPUU has the edge at +18.83% annualized vs +8.12%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

SPUU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.4% 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 -59.4% for SPUU 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 0.99. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.

Fees and Cost Over Time

SPUU charges 0.60% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $3 annually, a gap of $57 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPUU currently yields 1.34% against 1.07% for VTI.

Holdings Overlap

82.4%overlap

SPUU and VTI share 464 holdings out of 2824 unique holdings combined, representing a 82.4% weight overlap.

High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in SPUUWeight in VTIDifference
NVDA7.54%6.32%1.22%
AAPL6.19%5.84%0.35%
MSFT4.58%3.81%0.77%
AMZNProProPro
GOOGLProProPro
AVGOProProPro
GOOGProProPro
METAProProPro
TSLAProProPro
MUProProPro
See all 10 holdings SPUU 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, SPUU or VTI?

SPUU has an expense ratio of 0.60% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $57 per year of difference.

Which performed better, SPUU or VTI?

Over the past year SPUU returned +43.76% vs +24.23% for VTI, so SPUU leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), SPUU annualized +18.83% vs +8.12% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, SPUU or VTI?

SPUU has been the more volatile fund at 30.4% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: SPUU -59.4% vs VTI -56.6%.

Should I hold both SPUU and VTI?

SPUU and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.99, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.

What is the holdings overlap between SPUU and VTI?

SPUU and VTI share 464 common holdings with a 82.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2824 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, SPUU or VTI?

SPUU yields 1.34% while VTI yields 1.07%, so SPUU currently pays the higher dividend yield.

Get Full ETF Analytics

Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.

See inside every ETF you own
$29/moCancel anytime.
Try FundXLS →