AIBU vs. DFEN

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

AIBU (Direxion Daily AI and Big Data Bull 2X Shares) and DFEN (Direxion Daily Aerospace & Defense Bull 3X Shares) are both Leveraged Equities funds from Direxion - AIBU tracks the Solactive US AI & Big Data Index while DFEN tracks the Dow Jones U.S. Select Aerospace & Defense Index (300%). Both are passively managed. Over the past year, AIBU returned 109.46% vs 59.57% for DFEN. At a 0.45 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. AIBU charges 0.96%/yr vs 0.99%/yr for DFEN.

Performance

AIBU vs. DFEN - 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 Aerospace & Defense Bull 3X Shares (DFEN). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, AIBU achieves a 48.05% return, which is significantly higher than DFEN's 2.17% return.

AIBU

• 1D: -4.35%
• 1M: 29.93%
• YTD: 48.05%
• 6M: 34.98%
• 1Y: 109.46%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

DFEN

• 1D: -4.54%
• 1M: 12.97%
• YTD: 2.17%
• 6M: 21.41%
• 1Y: 59.57%
• 3Y*: 63.19%
• 5Y*: 26.54%
• 10Y*: —

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

AIBU vs. DFEN - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
AIBU Direxion Daily AI and Big Data Bull 2X Shares	48.05%	42.25%	38.36%
DFEN Direxion Daily Aerospace & Defense Bull 3X Shares	2.17%	156.62%	11.85%

Correlation

The correlation between AIBU and DFEN is 0.41, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.41
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 16, 2024	0.45

AIBU vs. DFEN - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	AIBU	DFEN
Technology	26.0%	0.0%
Communication Services	3.6%	-
Consumer Cyclical	2.3%	-
Healthcare	0.2%	-
Industrials	0.1%	19.7%
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

AIBU vs. DFEN — Risk / Return Rank

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

AIBU

AIBU Risk / Return Rank: 53
AIBU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 70
AIBU Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
AIBU Omega Ratio Rank: 55
AIBU Calmar Ratio Rank: 46
AIBU Martin Ratio Rank: 36

DFEN

DFEN Risk / Return Rank: 27
DFEN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 26
DFEN Sortino Ratio Rank: 29
DFEN Omega Ratio Rank: 27
DFEN Calmar Ratio Rank: 29
DFEN Martin Ratio Rank: 25

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. DFEN - 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 Aerospace & Defense Bull 3X Shares (DFEN). 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.

	AIBU	DFEN	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.31	0.95	+1.36
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.67	1.59	+1.08
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.19	+0.15
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.26	1.43	+0.83
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.52	3.44	+2.08
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

AIBU vs. DFEN - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current AIBU Sharpe Ratio is 2.31, which is higher than the DFEN Sharpe Ratio of 0.95. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of AIBU and DFEN, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	AIBU	DFEN	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.31	0.95	+1.36
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.44	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.25	0.21	+1.04

Drawdowns

AIBU vs. DFEN - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AIBU drawdown since its inception was -51.17%, smaller than the maximum DFEN drawdown of -91.36%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AIBU and DFEN.

Drawdown Indicators

	AIBU	DFEN	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-51.17%	-91.36%	+40.19%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-48.71%	-41.75%	-6.96%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-43.13%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-56.23%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.35%	-33.04%	+28.69%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-13.76%	-45.27%	+31.51%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	19.91%	17.36%	+2.55%

Volatility

AIBU vs. DFEN - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Direxion Daily AI and Big Data Bull 2X Shares (AIBU) is 14.56%, while Direxion Daily Aerospace & Defense Bull 3X Shares (DFEN) has a volatility of 22.35%. This indicates that AIBU experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than DFEN based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	AIBU	DFEN	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	14.56%	22.35%	-7.79%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	36.96%	53.06%	-16.10%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	47.71%	63.21%	-15.50%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	55.37%	60.16%	-4.79%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	55.37%	71.48%	-16.11%

AIBU vs. DFEN - Expense Ratio Comparison

AIBU has a 0.96% expense ratio, which is lower than DFEN's 0.99% expense ratio.

Dividends

AIBU vs. DFEN - Dividend Comparison

AIBU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.51%, less than DFEN's 8.74% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
AIBU Direxion Daily AI and Big Data Bull 2X Shares	1.51%	2.27%	1.33%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
DFEN Direxion Daily Aerospace & Defense Bull 3X Shares	8.74%	8.89%	14.12%	1.13%	0.46%	1.89%	0.48%	0.50%	1.07%	1.50%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AIBU and DFEN in my portfolio?

AIBU and DFEN have a correlation of 0.41, 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 DFEN?

DFEN has higher volatility (22.35%) compared to AIBU (14.56%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AIBU dropped -51.17% vs DFEN's -91.36%.

Which ETF is better, AIBU or DFEN?

On 1-year performance, AIBU leads with 109.46% vs 59.57% for DFEN. On fees, AIBU is cheaper at 0.96% per year. On volatility, AIBU has been the lower-risk option at 14.56%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, AIBU or DFEN?

Over the 1-year period, AIBU has performed better with a 109.46% return vs 59.57%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, AIBU or DFEN?

AIBU is cheaper with a 0.96% expense ratio, compared with 0.99% for DFEN.

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

DFEN has the higher dividend yield at 8.74%, compared with 1.51% for AIBU.

What is the main difference between AIBU and DFEN?

AIBU tracks Solactive US AI & Big Data Index, while DFEN tracks Dow Jones U.S. Select Aerospace & Defense Index (300%). Their fees differ too: 0.96% for AIBU and 0.99% for DFEN.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AIBU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.31 vs 0.95), 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.