AAPB vs. SOXL

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

AAPB (GraniteShares 2x Long AAPL Daily ETF) and SOXL (Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bull 3X ETF) are both Leveraged Equities funds. AAPB is actively managed, while SOXL is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, AAPB returned 17.03%/yr vs 120.84%/yr for SOXL. At a 0.46 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. AAPB charges 1.15%/yr vs 0.75%/yr for SOXL.

Performance

AAPB vs. SOXL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in GraniteShares 2x Long AAPL Daily ETF (AAPB) and Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bull 3X ETF (SOXL). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, AAPB achieves a 10.97% return, which is significantly lower than SOXL's 450.61% return.

AAPB

• 1D: -1.59%
• 1M: -9.88%
• YTD: 10.97%
• 6M: 10.46%
• 1Y: 90.68%
• 3Y*: 17.03%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SOXL

• 1D: -23.06%
• 1M: 21.44%
• YTD: 450.61%
• 6M: 429.57%
• 1Y: 976.09%
• 3Y*: 120.84%
• 5Y*: 42.16%
• 10Y*: 64.56%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

AAPB vs. SOXL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
AAPB GraniteShares 2x Long AAPL Daily ETF	10.97%	-0.93%	47.02%	77.21%	-38.60%
SOXL Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bull 3X ETF	450.61%	54.91%	-12.31%	226.98%	-52.60%

Correlation

The correlation between AAPB and SOXL is 0.30, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.30
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.38
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 9, 2022	0.46

The correlation between AAPB and SOXL shifts across timeframes, from 0.30 (1 year) to 0.46 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

AAPB vs. SOXL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	AAPB	SOXL
Technology	66.7%	100.0%
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

AAPB vs. SOXL — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

AAPB

AAPB Risk / Return Rank: 60
AAPB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 65
AAPB Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
AAPB Omega Ratio Rank: 58
AAPB Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
AAPB Martin Ratio Rank: 48

SOXL

SOXL Risk / Return Rank: 96
SOXL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 99
SOXL Sortino Ratio Rank: 90
SOXL Omega Ratio Rank: 92
SOXL Calmar Ratio Rank: 99
SOXL Martin Ratio Rank: 98

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

AAPB vs. SOXL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for GraniteShares 2x Long AAPL Daily ETF (AAPB) and Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bull 3X ETF (SOXL). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	AAPB	SOXL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.01	8.45	-6.43
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.64	4.03	-1.39
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.58	-0.24
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.24	22.69	-19.45
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.65	72.83	-65.18

AAPB vs. SOXL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current AAPB Sharpe Ratio is 2.01, which is lower than the SOXL Sharpe Ratio of 8.45. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of AAPB and SOXL, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

AAPB vs. SOXL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AAPB drawdown since its inception was -58.13%, smaller than the maximum SOXL drawdown of -90.46%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AAPB and SOXL.

Drawdown Indicators

	AAPB	SOXL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-58.13%	-90.46%	+32.33%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-28.11%	-43.47%	+15.36%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-58.13%	-87.88%	+29.75%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-90.46%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-90.46%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-13.26%	-23.06%	+9.80%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-19.23%	-34.95%	+15.72%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	11.89%	13.52%	-1.63%

Volatility

AAPB vs. SOXL - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for GraniteShares 2x Long AAPL Daily ETF (AAPB) is 14.32%, while Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bull 3X ETF (SOXL) has a volatility of 68.39%. This indicates that AAPB experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SOXL based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	AAPB	SOXL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	14.32%	68.39%	-54.07%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	33.46%	99.84%	-66.38%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	45.34%	116.79%	-71.45%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	51.27%	110.35%	-59.08%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	51.27%	100.62%	-49.35%

AAPB vs. SOXL - Expense Ratio Comparison

AAPB has a 1.15% expense ratio, which is higher than SOXL's 0.75% expense ratio.

Dividends

AAPB vs. SOXL - Dividend Comparison

AAPB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.96%, more than SOXL's 0.03% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
AAPB GraniteShares 2x Long AAPL Daily ETF	3.96%	4.39%	0.00%	18.75%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SOXL Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bull 3X ETF	0.03%	0.34%	1.18%	0.51%	1.07%	0.04%	0.05%	0.38%	1.30%	0.09%	4.84%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AAPB and SOXL in my portfolio?

AAPB and SOXL have a correlation of 0.30, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, AAPB or SOXL?

SOXL has higher volatility (68.39%) compared to AAPB (14.32%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AAPB dropped -58.13% vs SOXL's -90.46%.

Which ETF is better, AAPB or SOXL?

On 3-year performance, SOXL leads with 120.84% vs 17.03% for AAPB. On fees, SOXL is cheaper at 0.75% per year. On volatility, AAPB has been the lower-risk option at 14.32%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, AAPB or SOXL?

Over the 3-year period, SOXL has performed better with a 120.84% return vs 17.03%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, AAPB or SOXL?

SOXL is cheaper with a 0.75% expense ratio, compared with 1.15% for AAPB.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, AAPB or SOXL?

AAPB has the higher dividend yield at 3.96%, compared with 0.03% for SOXL.

What is the main difference between AAPB and SOXL?

They also come from different issuers: GraniteShares and Direxion. Their fees differ too: 1.15% for AAPB and 0.75% for SOXL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SOXL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (8.45 vs 2.01), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.