AIBU vs. USD

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

AIBU (Direxion Daily AI and Big Data Bull 2X Shares) and USD (ProShares Ultra Semiconductors) are both Leveraged Equities funds - AIBU tracks the Solactive US AI & Big Data Index while USD tracks the Dow Jones U.S. Semiconductors Index (200%). Both are passively managed. Over the past year, AIBU returned 46.84% vs 127.92% for USD. A 0.80 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. AIBU charges 0.96%/yr vs 0.95%/yr for USD.

Performance

AIBU vs. USD - 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 ProShares Ultra Semiconductors (USD). 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 lower than USD's 70.32% return.

AIBU

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

USD

• 1D: -8.00%
• 1M: -8.85%
• 6M: 60.45%
• YTD: 70.32%
• 1Y: 127.92%
• 3Y*: 99.92%
• 5Y*: 59.89%
• 10Y*: 57.21%

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

AIBU vs. USD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
AIBU Direxion Daily AI and Big Data Bull 2X Shares	23.63%	42.25%	41.01%
USD ProShares Ultra Semiconductors	70.32%	62.08%	34.77%

Correlation

The correlation between AIBU and USD is 0.78, 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	0.78
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 15, 2024	0.80

The correlation between AIBU and USD has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.78 to 0.80 - a consistent structural relationship.

AIBU vs. USD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	AIBU	USD
Technology	28.4%	30.7%
Communication Services	3.7%	-
Consumer Cyclical	2.2%	-
Healthcare	0.3%	-
Industrials	0.1%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	0.0%
Financial Services	-	32.0%
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

AIBU vs. USD — 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

USD

USD Risk / Return Rank: 70
USD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 71
USD Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
USD Omega Ratio Rank: 60
USD Calmar Ratio Rank: 88
USD Martin Ratio Rank: 72

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. USD - 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 ProShares Ultra Semiconductors (USD). 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	USD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.92	1.83	-0.90
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.45	2.19	-0.75
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.18	1.29	-0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.97	4.05	-3.08
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.26	10.59	-8.33

AIBU vs. USD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current AIBU Sharpe Ratio is 0.92, which is lower than the USD Sharpe Ratio of 1.83. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of AIBU and USD, 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. USD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AIBU drawdown since its inception was -51.17%, smaller than the maximum USD drawdown of -88.63%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AIBU and USD.

Drawdown Indicators

	AIBU	USD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-51.17%	-88.63%	+37.46%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-48.71%	-31.80%	-16.91%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-64.46%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-77.85%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-77.85%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-20.13%	-21.31%	+1.18%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-13.93%	-32.25%	+18.32%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	20.75%	12.13%	+8.62%

Volatility

AIBU vs. USD - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Direxion Daily AI and Big Data Bull 2X Shares (AIBU) is 15.96%, while ProShares Ultra Semiconductors (USD) has a volatility of 32.41%. This indicates that AIBU experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than USD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	AIBU	USD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	15.96%	32.41%	-16.45%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	40.04%	57.60%	-17.56%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	51.03%	70.64%	-19.61%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	55.82%	78.22%	-22.40%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	55.82%	70.05%	-14.23%

AIBU vs. USD - Expense Ratio Comparison

AIBU has a 0.96% expense ratio, which is higher than USD's 0.95% expense ratio.

Dividends

AIBU vs. USD - Dividend Comparison

AIBU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.74%, more than USD's 0.34% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AIBU Direxion Daily AI and Big Data Bull 2X Shares	1.74%	2.27%	1.33%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
USD ProShares Ultra Semiconductors	0.34%	0.39%	0.10%	0.05%	0.30%	0.00%	0.14%	0.72%	0.93%	0.32%	0.46%	0.39%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AIBU and USD in my portfolio?

AIBU and USD have a correlation of 0.78, 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 USD?

USD has higher volatility (32.41%) compared to AIBU (15.96%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AIBU dropped -51.17% vs USD's -88.63%.

Which ETF is better, AIBU or USD?

On 1-year performance, USD leads with 127.92% vs 46.84% for AIBU. On fees, USD is cheaper at 0.95% 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 USD?

Over the 1-year period, USD has performed better with a 127.92% return vs 46.84%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, AIBU or USD?

USD is cheaper with a 0.95% expense ratio, compared with 0.96% for AIBU.

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

AIBU has the higher dividend yield at 1.74%, compared with 0.34% for USD.

What is the main difference between AIBU and USD?

AIBU tracks Solactive US AI & Big Data Index, while USD tracks Dow Jones U.S. Semiconductors Index (200%). They also come from different issuers: Direxion and ProShares. Their fees differ too: 0.96% for AIBU and 0.95% for USD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

USD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.83 vs 0.92), 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.