LMBO vs VTI

LMBO vs VTI

Which is better, LMBO or VTI?

Leverage Strategy against Large Cap Blend.

VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI led over 1Y and the full window.

Lower Fees: VTIHigher Returns: VTI

MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricLMBOVTI
Expense Ratio0.98%0.03%Best
AUM$6M$689.2B
Dividend Yield6.09%1.06%
Holdings313,524
Volatility (annualized)73.3%11.6%Best
Max Drawdown-67.6%-19.3%Best
$10,000 over 1.7 years$8,051$12,395Best
Fund FamilyDirexion Shares ETF TrustVanguard (US)
CategoryAlternativeEquity
StyleLeverage StrategyLarge Cap Blend
InceptionJul 17, 2024May 24, 2001

Not shown on this pair: YTD Return, 1Y Return, 3Y Return (annualized), 5Y Return (annualized), Top 10 Weight.

The two price series end 187 days apart, so a return over any period would be measuring two different stretches of market. Those rows are withheld. LMBO has data through Apr 10, 2026 and VTI through Oct 14, 2026.

Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 1.7 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Jul 17, 2024 to Apr 10, 2026 (1.7 years).

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

LMBO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 73.3% compared with 11.6% 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 -67.6% for LMBO and -19.3% for VTI. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.

The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.76. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

LMBO charges 0.98% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $98 vs $3 annually, a gap of $95 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, LMBO currently yields 6.09% against 1.06% for VTI.

Holdings Overlap

VTI already in LMBO8.7%

At least 8.7% of VTI's money is in holdings LMBO also owns.

Only one direction is shown: for LMBO, our book for it lists positions totalling 105.9% of the fund, which is what a leveraged book looks like and is not a denominator we can divide by.

VTI and LMBO share little of their money.

The two holdings books were reported 213 days apart, LMBO as of Jan 30, 2026 and VTI as of Aug 31, 2026, so some of the difference between them is the time between the two reports rather than the funds.

17 positions in common, counted across the 29 positions we hold weights for in LMBO and 3,441 in VTI, against full books of 31 and 3,524.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in LMBOWeight in VTIDifference
NVDANvidia Corp5.85%6.88%1.03%
VVisa Inc Class A5.68%0.85%4.83%
MAMastercard Inc5.68%0.63%5.05%
HOODRobinhood Markets Inc - A4.56%0.11%4.45%
PYPLPaypal Holdings Inc4.15%0.06%4.09%
COINCoinbase Global, Inc.3.97%0.05%3.92%
WULFTerawulf Inc3.66%0.01%3.65%
APLDApplied Digital Corp3.52%0.01%3.51%
CIFRCipher Mining Inc3.07%0.01%3.06%
CORZCore Scientific Inc Common Stock3.02%0.01%3.01%

You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.

Whichever of LMBO and VTI you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.

LMBOVTI

Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, LMBO or VTI?

LMBO has an expense ratio of 0.98% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option, by $95 a year on a $10,000 investment.

Which is riskier, LMBO or VTI?

LMBO has been the more volatile fund at 73.3% annualized versus 11.6% for VTI. Worst drawdown: LMBO -67.6% vs VTI -19.3%.

Should I hold both LMBO and VTI?

LMBO and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.76, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.

What is the holdings overlap between LMBO and VTI?

At least 8.7% of VTI's money is in holdings LMBO also owns. Our book for LMBO is partial, so the real figure is this or higher. They hold 17 positions in common, counted across the 29 positions we hold weights for in LMBO and 3,441 in VTI.

Which pays a higher dividend, LMBO or VTI?

LMBO yields 6.09% while VTI yields 1.06%, so LMBO currently pays the higher dividend yield.

Is VTI better than LMBO?

VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI led over 1Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.