AIQ vs. TECL

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

AIQ (Global X Artificial Intelligence & Technology ETF) and TECL (Direxion Daily Technology Bull 3X Shares) are both exchange-traded funds - AIQ is a Technology Equities fund tracking the Indxx Artificial Intelligence & Big Data Index, while TECL is a Leveraged Equities fund tracking the Technology Select Sector Index (300%). Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, AIQ returned 19.07%/yr vs 43.44%/yr for TECL. Their correlation of 0.89 suggests significant overlap in exposure. AIQ charges 0.68%/yr vs 0.91%/yr for TECL.

Performance

AIQ vs. TECL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Global X Artificial Intelligence & Technology ETF (AIQ) and Direxion Daily Technology Bull 3X Shares (TECL). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, AIQ achieves a 35.98% return, which is significantly lower than TECL's 125.87% return.

AIQ

• 1D: -1.40%
• 1M: 21.10%
• YTD: 35.98%
• 6M: 36.15%
• 1Y: 69.19%
• 3Y*: 37.50%
• 5Y*: 19.07%
• 10Y*: —

TECL

• 1D: -2.99%
• 1M: 73.10%
• YTD: 125.87%
• 6M: 118.69%
• 1Y: 267.85%
• 3Y*: 80.64%
• 5Y*: 43.44%
• 10Y*: 54.49%

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

AIQ vs. TECL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
AIQ Global X Artificial Intelligence & Technology ETF	35.98%	31.89%	24.11%	55.39%	-36.44%	17.09%	52.88%	39.94%	-14.03%
TECL Direxion Daily Technology Bull 3X Shares	125.87%	38.60%	36.15%	203.14%	-74.32%	112.80%	69.46%	185.58%	-36.63%

Correlation

The correlation between AIQ and TECL is 0.92, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.92
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.92
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.91
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 17, 2018	0.89

The correlation between AIQ and TECL has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.89 to 0.92 - a consistent structural relationship.

AIQ vs. TECL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	AIQ	TECL
Technology	73.3%	20.4%
Communication Services	13.2%	-
Consumer Cyclical	8.5%	-
Industrials	4.2%	0.0%
Healthcare	0.4%	-
Financial Services	0.4%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	0.0%
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

AIQ vs. TECL — Risk / Return Rank

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

AIQ

AIQ Risk / Return Rank: 81
AIQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 88
AIQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 81
AIQ Omega Ratio Rank: 80
AIQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 80
AIQ Martin Ratio Rank: 75

TECL

TECL Risk / Return Rank: 85
TECL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 96
TECL Sortino Ratio Rank: 80
TECL Omega Ratio Rank: 79
TECL Calmar Ratio Rank: 90
TECL Martin Ratio Rank: 81

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.

AIQ vs. TECL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X Artificial Intelligence & Technology ETF (AIQ) and Direxion Daily Technology Bull 3X Shares (TECL). 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.

	AIQ	TECL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.02	4.35	-1.33
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.70	3.66	+0.04
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.49	1.48	+0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.22	5.79	-1.57
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.59	16.63	-2.04
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

AIQ vs. TECL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current AIQ Sharpe Ratio is 3.02, which is lower than the TECL Sharpe Ratio of 4.35. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of AIQ and TECL, 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

	AIQ	TECL	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.02	4.35	-1.33
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.76	0.59	+0.17
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.76	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.84	0.76	+0.08

Drawdowns

AIQ vs. TECL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AIQ drawdown since its inception was -44.66%, smaller than the maximum TECL drawdown of -77.96%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AIQ and TECL.

Drawdown Indicators

	AIQ	TECL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-44.66%	-77.96%	+33.30%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.47%	-46.58%	+30.11%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.35%	-66.58%	+40.23%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-44.66%	-77.96%	+33.30%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-77.96%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.40%	-2.99%	+1.59%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.80%	-18.38%	+8.58%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.76%	16.19%	-11.43%

Volatility

AIQ vs. TECL - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Global X Artificial Intelligence & Technology ETF (AIQ) is 8.60%, while Direxion Daily Technology Bull 3X Shares (TECL) has a volatility of 20.70%. This indicates that AIQ experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than TECL based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	AIQ	TECL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.60%	20.70%	-12.10%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	18.46%	49.83%	-31.37%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	23.04%	62.17%	-39.13%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	25.33%	74.09%	-48.76%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	25.50%	72.35%	-46.85%

AIQ vs. TECL - Expense Ratio Comparison

AIQ has a 0.68% expense ratio, which is lower than TECL's 0.91% expense ratio.

Dividends

AIQ vs. TECL - Dividend Comparison

AIQ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.14%, less than TECL's 3.15% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
AIQ Global X Artificial Intelligence & Technology ETF	0.14%	0.18%	0.14%	0.16%	0.56%	0.15%	0.50%	0.51%	0.51%	0.00%
TECL Direxion Daily Technology Bull 3X Shares	3.15%	7.19%	0.29%	0.28%	0.22%	0.32%	0.52%	0.25%	0.47%	0.10%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AIQ and TECL in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.92, AIQ and TECL move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, AIQ or TECL?

TECL has higher volatility (20.70%) compared to AIQ (8.60%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AIQ dropped -44.66% vs TECL's -77.96%.

Which ETF is better, AIQ or TECL?

On 5-year performance, TECL leads with 43.44% vs 19.07% for AIQ. On fees, AIQ is cheaper at 0.68% per year. On volatility, AIQ has been the lower-risk option at 8.60%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, AIQ or TECL?

Over the 5-year period, TECL has performed better with a 43.44% return vs 19.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, AIQ or TECL?

AIQ is cheaper with a 0.68% expense ratio, compared with 0.91% for TECL.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, AIQ or TECL?

TECL has the higher dividend yield at 3.15%, compared with 0.14% for AIQ.

What is the main difference between AIQ and TECL?

AIQ is categorized as Technology Equities, while TECL is Leveraged Equities. AIQ tracks Indxx Artificial Intelligence & Big Data Index, while TECL tracks Technology Select Sector Index (300%). They also come from different issuers: Global X and Direxion. Their fees differ too: 0.68% for AIQ and 0.91% for TECL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

TECL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (4.35 vs 3.02), 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.