AIBU vs. NVDU

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

AIBU (Direxion Daily AI and Big Data Bull 2X Shares) and NVDU (Direxion Daily NVDA Bull 2X Shares ETF) are both Leveraged Equities funds from Direxion. AIBU is passively managed, while NVDU is actively managed. Over the past year, AIBU returned 109.46% vs 84.73% for NVDU. A 0.68 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. AIBU charges 0.96%/yr vs 1.04%/yr for NVDU.

Performance

AIBU vs. NVDU - 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 NVDA Bull 2X Shares ETF (NVDU). 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 NVDU's 19.93% return.

AIBU

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

NVDU

• 1D: -7.30%
• 1M: 14.13%
• YTD: 19.93%
• 6M: 27.09%
• 1Y: 84.73%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

AIBU vs. NVDU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
AIBU Direxion Daily AI and Big Data Bull 2X Shares	48.05%	42.25%	38.36%
NVDU Direxion Daily NVDA Bull 2X Shares ETF	19.93%	33.65%	57.38%

Correlation

The correlation between AIBU and NVDU is 0.61, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.61
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 16, 2024	0.68

The correlation between AIBU and NVDU has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.61 to 0.68 - a consistent structural relationship.

AIBU vs. NVDU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	AIBU	NVDU
Technology	26.0%	100.0%
Communication Services	3.6%	-
Consumer Cyclical	2.3%	-
Healthcare	0.2%	-
Industrials	0.1%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

AIBU vs. NVDU — 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

NVDU

NVDU Risk / Return Rank: 34
NVDU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 34
NVDU Sortino Ratio Rank: 35
NVDU Omega Ratio Rank: 33
NVDU Calmar Ratio Rank: 40
NVDU Martin Ratio Rank: 31

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. NVDU - 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 NVDA Bull 2X Shares ETF (NVDU). 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	NVDU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.31	1.26	+1.05
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.67	1.89	+0.78
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.23	+0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.26	2.02	+0.24
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.52	4.60	+0.92
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. NVDU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current AIBU Sharpe Ratio is 2.31, which is higher than the NVDU Sharpe Ratio of 1.26. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of AIBU and NVDU, 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	NVDU	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.31	1.26	+1.05
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.25	1.14	+0.11

Drawdowns

AIBU vs. NVDU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AIBU drawdown since its inception was -51.17%, smaller than the maximum NVDU drawdown of -67.27%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AIBU and NVDU.

Drawdown Indicators

	AIBU	NVDU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-51.17%	-67.27%	+16.10%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-48.71%	-42.27%	-6.44%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.35%	-18.32%	+13.97%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-13.76%	-18.84%	+5.08%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	19.91%	18.47%	+1.44%

Volatility

AIBU vs. NVDU - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Direxion Daily AI and Big Data Bull 2X Shares (AIBU) is 14.56%, while Direxion Daily NVDA Bull 2X Shares ETF (NVDU) has a volatility of 24.74%. This indicates that AIBU experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than NVDU based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	AIBU	NVDU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	14.56%	24.74%	-10.18%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	36.96%	50.50%	-13.54%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	47.71%	68.02%	-20.31%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	55.37%	91.06%	-35.69%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	55.37%	91.06%	-35.69%

AIBU vs. NVDU - Expense Ratio Comparison

AIBU has a 0.96% expense ratio, which is lower than NVDU's 1.04% expense ratio.

Dividends

AIBU vs. NVDU - Dividend Comparison

AIBU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.51%, less than NVDU's 4.83% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
AIBU Direxion Daily AI and Big Data Bull 2X Shares	1.51%	2.27%	1.33%	0.00%
NVDU Direxion Daily NVDA Bull 2X Shares ETF	4.83%	5.68%	16.85%	0.63%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AIBU and NVDU in my portfolio?

AIBU and NVDU have a correlation of 0.61, 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 NVDU?

NVDU has higher volatility (24.74%) compared to AIBU (14.56%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AIBU dropped -51.17% vs NVDU's -67.27%.

Which ETF is better, AIBU or NVDU?

On 1-year performance, AIBU leads with 109.46% vs 84.73% for NVDU. 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 NVDU?

Over the 1-year period, AIBU has performed better with a 109.46% return vs 84.73%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, AIBU or NVDU?

AIBU is cheaper with a 0.96% expense ratio, compared with 1.04% for NVDU.

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

NVDU has the higher dividend yield at 4.83%, compared with 1.51% for AIBU.

What is the main difference between AIBU and NVDU?

Their fees differ too: 0.96% for AIBU and 1.04% for NVDU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AIBU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.31 vs 1.26), 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.