APPX vs. SOXL

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

APPX (Tradr 2X Long APP Daily ETF) and SOXL (Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bull 3X ETF) are both Leveraged Equities funds. APPX is actively managed, while SOXL is passively managed. Over the past year, APPX returned -6.08% vs 1280.87% for SOXL. At a 0.22 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. APPX charges 1.30%/yr vs 0.75%/yr for SOXL.

Performance

APPX vs. SOXL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Tradr 2X Long APP Daily ETF (APPX) and Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bull 3X ETF (SOXL). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, APPX achieves a -53.50% return, which is significantly lower than SOXL's 525.03% return.

APPX

• 1D: -3.79%
• 1M: 30.52%
• YTD: -53.50%
• 6M: -55.75%
• 1Y: -6.08%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SOXL

• 1D: -6.36%
• 1M: 82.23%
• YTD: 525.03%
• 6M: 481.71%
• 1Y: 1,280.87%
• 3Y*: 133.82%
• 5Y*: 46.78%
• 10Y*: 64.43%

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

APPX vs. SOXL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
APPX Tradr 2X Long APP Daily ETF	-53.50%	329.60%
SOXL Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bull 3X ETF	525.03%	241.78%

Correlation

The correlation between APPX and SOXL is 0.20, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.20
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 28, 2025	0.22

Return for Risk

APPX vs. SOXL — Risk / Return Rank

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

APPX

APPX Risk / Return Rank: 13
APPX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 9
APPX Sortino Ratio Rank: 19
APPX Omega Ratio Rank: 21
APPX Calmar Ratio Rank: 8
APPX Martin Ratio Rank: 9

SOXL

SOXL Risk / Return Rank: 97
SOXL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 100
SOXL Sortino Ratio Rank: 95
SOXL Omega Ratio Rank: 94
SOXL Calmar Ratio Rank: 99
SOXL Martin Ratio Rank: 99

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.

APPX vs. SOXL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Tradr 2X Long APP Daily ETF (APPX) and Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bull 3X ETF (SOXL). 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.

	APPX	SOXL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.04	12.69	-12.73
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.96	4.98	-4.01
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.13	1.69	-0.56
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.07	29.80	-29.87
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.12	102.14	-102.26
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

APPX vs. SOXL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current APPX Sharpe Ratio is -0.04, which is lower than the SOXL Sharpe Ratio of 12.69. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of APPX and SOXL, 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

	APPX	SOXL	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.04	12.69	-12.73
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.44	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.65	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.62	0.51	+0.11

Drawdowns

APPX vs. SOXL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum APPX drawdown since its inception was -82.40%, smaller than the maximum SOXL drawdown of -90.46%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for APPX and SOXL.

Drawdown Indicators

	APPX	SOXL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-82.40%	-90.46%	+8.06%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-82.40%	-43.47%	-38.93%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-87.88%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-90.46%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-90.46%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-63.84%	-6.36%	-57.48%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-37.32%	-35.01%	-2.31%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	48.83%	12.66%	+36.17%

Volatility

APPX vs. SOXL - Volatility Comparison

Tradr 2X Long APP Daily ETF (APPX) and Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bull 3X ETF (SOXL) have volatilities of 41.73% and 41.05%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	APPX	SOXL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	41.73%	41.05%	+0.68%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	121.72%	81.57%	+40.15%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	141.05%	102.16%	+38.89%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	140.44%	107.25%	+33.19%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	140.44%	99.05%	+41.39%

APPX vs. SOXL - Expense Ratio Comparison

APPX has a 1.30% expense ratio, which is higher than SOXL's 0.75% expense ratio.

Dividends

APPX vs. SOXL - Dividend Comparison

APPX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 20.17%, more than SOXL's 0.03% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
APPX Tradr 2X Long APP Daily ETF	20.17%	9.38%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SOXL Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bull 3X ETF	0.03%	0.34%	1.18%	0.51%	1.07%	0.04%	0.05%	0.38%	1.30%	0.09%	4.84%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both APPX and SOXL in my portfolio?

APPX and SOXL have a correlation of 0.20, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, APPX or SOXL?

APPX has higher volatility (41.73%) compared to SOXL (41.05%). In terms of maximum drawdown, APPX dropped -82.40% vs SOXL's -90.46%.

Which ETF is better, APPX or SOXL?

On 1-year performance, SOXL leads with 1280.87% vs -6.08% for APPX. On fees, SOXL is cheaper at 0.75% per year. On volatility, SOXL has been the lower-risk option at 41.05%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, APPX or SOXL?

Over the 1-year period, SOXL has performed better with a 1280.87% return vs -6.08%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, APPX or SOXL?

SOXL is cheaper with a 0.75% expense ratio, compared with 1.30% for APPX.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, APPX or SOXL?

APPX has the higher dividend yield at 20.17%, compared with 0.03% for SOXL.

What is the main difference between APPX and SOXL?

They also come from different issuers: Tradr and Direxion. Their fees differ too: 1.30% for APPX and 0.75% for SOXL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SOXL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (12.69 vs -0.04), 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.