AIBU vs. SPXS

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

AIBU (Direxion Daily AI and Big Data Bull 2X Shares) and SPXS (Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bear 3X Shares) are both exchange-traded funds - AIBU is a Leveraged Equities fund tracking the Solactive US AI & Big Data Index, while SPXS is a Inverse Equities fund tracking the S&P 500 Index (-300%). Both are passively managed. Over the past year, AIBU returned 67.41% vs -44.21% for SPXS. At a correlation of -0.85, they often move in opposite directions. AIBU charges 0.96%/yr vs 1.08%/yr for SPXS.

Performance

AIBU vs. SPXS - 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 S&P 500 Bear 3X Shares (SPXS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, AIBU achieves a 24.78% return, which is significantly higher than SPXS's -20.76% return.

AIBU

• 1D: -4.43%
• 1M: -3.16%
• YTD: 24.78%
• 6M: 21.08%
• 1Y: 67.41%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SPXS

• 1D: 3.42%
• 1M: 3.11%
• YTD: -20.76%
• 6M: -18.37%
• 1Y: -44.21%
• 3Y*: -40.67%
• 5Y*: -33.53%
• 10Y*: -42.08%

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

AIBU vs. SPXS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
AIBU Direxion Daily AI and Big Data Bull 2X Shares	24.78%	42.25%	41.01%
SPXS Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bear 3X Shares	-20.76%	-41.53%	-26.42%

Correlation

The correlation between AIBU and SPXS is -0.83, 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	-0.83
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 15, 2024	-0.86

The correlation between AIBU and SPXS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from -0.85 to -0.83 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

AIBU vs. SPXS — Risk / Return Rank

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

AIBU

AIBU Risk / Return Rank: 34
AIBU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 40
AIBU Sortino Ratio Rank: 38
AIBU Omega Ratio Rank: 37
AIBU Calmar Ratio Rank: 30
AIBU Martin Ratio Rank: 26

SPXS

SPXS Risk / Return Rank: 1
SPXS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 1
SPXS Sortino Ratio Rank: 1
SPXS Omega Ratio Rank: 1
SPXS Calmar Ratio Rank: 1
SPXS 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. SPXS - 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 S&P 500 Bear 3X Shares (SPXS). 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	SPXS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.35	-1.19	+2.54
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.84	-1.92	+3.76
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.23	0.79	+0.44
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.39	-0.94	+2.34
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.34	-1.63	+4.97

AIBU vs. SPXS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current AIBU Sharpe Ratio is 1.35, which is higher than the SPXS Sharpe Ratio of -1.19. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of AIBU and SPXS, 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. SPXS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AIBU drawdown since its inception was -51.17%, smaller than the maximum SPXS drawdown of -100.00%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AIBU and SPXS.

Drawdown Indicators

	AIBU	SPXS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-51.17%	-100.00%	+48.83%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-48.71%	-46.94%	-1.77%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-84.13%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-90.11%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-99.63%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-19.38%	-100.00%	+80.62%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-13.79%	-96.29%	+82.50%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	20.26%	29.25%	-8.99%

Volatility

AIBU vs. SPXS - Volatility Comparison

Direxion Daily AI and Big Data Bull 2X Shares (AIBU) has a higher volatility of 21.15% compared to Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bear 3X Shares (SPXS) at 14.08%. This indicates that AIBU's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SPXS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	AIBU	SPXS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	21.15%	14.08%	+7.07%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	39.22%	29.38%	+9.84%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	50.36%	37.37%	+12.99%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	55.97%	50.68%	+5.29%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	55.97%	53.59%	+2.38%

AIBU vs. SPXS - Expense Ratio Comparison

AIBU has a 0.96% expense ratio, which is lower than SPXS's 1.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

AIBU vs. SPXS - Dividend Comparison

AIBU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.79%, less than SPXS's 4.62% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
AIBU Direxion Daily AI and Big Data Bull 2X Shares	1.79%	2.27%	1.33%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SPXS Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bear 3X Shares	4.62%	4.93%	6.18%	5.66%	0.00%	0.00%	0.51%	1.74%	0.58%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AIBU and SPXS in my portfolio?

AIBU and SPXS have a correlation of -0.83, 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 SPXS?

AIBU has higher volatility (21.15%) compared to SPXS (14.08%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AIBU dropped -51.17% vs SPXS's -100.00%.

Which ETF is better, AIBU or SPXS?

On 1-year performance, AIBU leads with 67.41% vs -44.21% for SPXS. On fees, AIBU is cheaper at 0.96% per year. On volatility, SPXS has been the lower-risk option at 14.08%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, AIBU or SPXS?

Over the 1-year period, AIBU has performed better with a 67.41% return vs -44.21%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, AIBU or SPXS?

AIBU is cheaper with a 0.96% expense ratio, compared with 1.08% for SPXS.

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

SPXS has the higher dividend yield at 4.62%, compared with 1.79% for AIBU.

What is the main difference between AIBU and SPXS?

AIBU is categorized as Leveraged Equities, while SPXS is Inverse Equities. AIBU tracks Solactive US AI & Big Data Index, while SPXS tracks S&P 500 Index (-300%). Their fees differ too: 0.96% for AIBU and 1.08% for SPXS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AIBU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.35 vs -1.19), 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.