AIBU vs. AIBD

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

AIBU (Direxion Daily AI and Big Data Bull 2X Shares) and AIBD (Direxion Daily AI and Big Data Bear 2X Shares) are both exchange-traded funds - AIBU is a Leveraged Equities fund tracking the Solactive US AI & Big Data Index, while AIBD is a Inverse Equities fund tracking the Solactive US AI & Big Data Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, AIBU returned 46.84% vs -41.86% for AIBD. At a correlation of -0.91, they often move in opposite directions. AIBU charges 0.96%/yr vs 1.05%/yr for AIBD.

Performance

AIBU vs. AIBD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Direxion Daily AI and Big Data Bull 2X Shares (AIBU) and Direxion Daily AI and Big Data Bear 2X Shares (AIBD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, AIBU achieves a 23.63% return, which is significantly higher than AIBD's -29.61% return.

AIBU

• 1D: -3.90%
• 1M: -2.75%
• 6M: 17.79%
• YTD: 23.63%
• 1Y: 46.84%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

AIBD

• 1D: 3.49%
• 1M: 0.52%
• 6M: -26.17%
• YTD: -29.61%
• 1Y: -41.86%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

AIBU vs. AIBD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
AIBU Direxion Daily AI and Big Data Bull 2X Shares	23.63%	42.25%	41.01%
AIBD Direxion Daily AI and Big Data Bear 2X Shares	-29.61%	-49.15%	-34.56%

Correlation

The correlation between AIBU and AIBD is -0.84, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.84
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 15, 2024	-0.91

The correlation between AIBU and AIBD has been stable across timeframes, ranging from -0.91 to -0.84 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

AIBU vs. AIBD — Risk / Return Rank

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

AIBU

AIBU Risk / Return Rank: 29
AIBU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 31
AIBU Sortino Ratio Rank: 33
AIBU Omega Ratio Rank: 32
AIBU Calmar Ratio Rank: 25
AIBU Martin Ratio Rank: 23

AIBD

AIBD Risk / Return Rank: 3
AIBD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 3
AIBD Sortino Ratio Rank: 3
AIBD Omega Ratio Rank: 4
AIBD Calmar Ratio Rank: 3
AIBD Martin Ratio Rank: 1

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.

AIBU vs. AIBD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Direxion Daily AI and Big Data Bull 2X Shares (AIBU) and Direxion Daily AI and Big Data Bear 2X Shares (AIBD). 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.

	AIBU	AIBD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.92	-0.77	+1.69
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.45	-1.00	+2.45
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.18	0.89	+0.29
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.97	-0.71	+1.68
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.26	-1.45	+3.71

AIBU vs. AIBD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current AIBU Sharpe Ratio is 0.92, which is higher than the AIBD Sharpe Ratio of -0.77. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of AIBU and AIBD, 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

AIBU vs. AIBD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AIBU drawdown since its inception was -51.17%, smaller than the maximum AIBD drawdown of -82.11%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AIBU and AIBD.

Drawdown Indicators

	AIBU	AIBD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-51.17%	-82.11%	+30.94%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-48.71%	-58.75%	+10.04%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-20.13%	-78.58%	+58.45%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-13.93%	-49.58%	+35.65%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	20.75%	28.94%	-8.19%

Volatility

AIBU vs. AIBD - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Direxion Daily AI and Big Data Bull 2X Shares (AIBU) is 15.96%, while Direxion Daily AI and Big Data Bear 2X Shares (AIBD) has a volatility of 16.94%. This indicates that AIBU experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than AIBD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	AIBU	AIBD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	15.96%	16.94%	-0.98%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	40.04%	41.93%	-1.89%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	51.03%	54.88%	-3.85%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	55.82%	57.23%	-1.41%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	55.82%	57.23%	-1.41%

AIBU vs. AIBD - Expense Ratio Comparison

AIBU has a 0.96% expense ratio, which is lower than AIBD's 1.05% expense ratio.

Dividends

AIBU vs. AIBD - Dividend Comparison

AIBU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.74%, less than AIBD's 3.58% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
AIBD Direxion Daily AI and Big Data Bear 2X Shares	3.58%	4.37%	3.58%
AIBU Direxion Daily AI and Big Data Bull 2X Shares	1.74%	2.27%	1.33%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AIBU and AIBD in my portfolio?

AIBU and AIBD have a correlation of -0.84, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, AIBU or AIBD?

AIBD has higher volatility (16.94%) compared to AIBU (15.96%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AIBU dropped -51.17% vs AIBD's -82.11%.

Which ETF is better, AIBU or AIBD?

On 1-year performance, AIBU leads with 46.84% vs -41.86% for AIBD. On fees, AIBU is cheaper at 0.96% per year. On volatility, AIBU has been the lower-risk option at 15.96%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, AIBU or AIBD?

Over the 1-year period, AIBU has performed better with a 46.84% return vs -41.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, AIBU or AIBD?

AIBU is cheaper with a 0.96% expense ratio, compared with 1.05% for AIBD.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, AIBU or AIBD?

AIBD has the higher dividend yield at 3.58%, compared with 1.74% for AIBU.

What is the main difference between AIBU and AIBD?

AIBU is categorized as Leveraged Equities, while AIBD is Inverse Equities. Both ETFs track Solactive US AI & Big Data Index. Their fees differ too: 0.96% for AIBU and 1.05% for AIBD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AIBU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.92 vs -0.77), 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.