ASMU vs. FAAR

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

ASMU (Direxion Daily ASML Bull 2X ETF) and FAAR (First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - ASMU is a Leveraged Equities fund actively managed by Direxion, while FAAR is a Commodities fund actively managed by First Trust. Both are actively managed. At a correlation of -0.29, they often move in opposite directions. ASMU charges 0.97%/yr vs 0.95%/yr for FAAR.

Performance

ASMU vs. FAAR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Direxion Daily ASML Bull 2X ETF (ASMU) and First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF (FAAR). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

ASMU

• 1D: 8.49%
• 1M: 21.60%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FAAR

• 1D: 0.52%
• 1M: -5.18%
• YTD: 18.01%
• 6M: 17.71%
• 1Y: 28.64%
• 3Y*: 10.16%
• 5Y*: 7.61%
• 10Y*: 4.60%

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

ASMU vs. FAAR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
ASMU Direxion Daily ASML Bull 2X ETF	42.93%
FAAR First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF	8.84%

Correlation

The correlation between ASMU and FAAR is -0.29, 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 (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 11, 2026	-0.29

Return for Risk

ASMU vs. FAAR — Risk / Return Rank

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

ASMU

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

FAAR

FAAR Risk / Return Rank: 79
FAAR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 78
FAAR Sortino Ratio Rank: 81
FAAR Omega Ratio Rank: 72
FAAR Calmar Ratio Rank: 81
FAAR Martin Ratio Rank: 83

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.

ASMU vs. FAAR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Direxion Daily ASML Bull 2X ETF (ASMU) and First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF (FAAR). 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.

	ASMU	FAAR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	2.18	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	3.12	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.37	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	3.76	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	14.47	—

Drawdowns

ASMU vs. FAAR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ASMU drawdown since its inception was -34.79%, which is greater than FAAR's maximum drawdown of -18.03%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ASMU and FAAR.

Drawdown Indicators

	ASMU	FAAR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-34.79%	-18.03%	-16.76%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-7.66%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-11.54%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-18.03%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-18.03%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-10.10%	-7.18%	-2.92%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.06%	-7.82%	-4.24%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	1.98%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	ASMU	FAAR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	2.85%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	9.79%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	104.31%	13.22%	+91.09%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	104.31%	12.97%	+91.34%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	104.31%	11.54%	+92.77%

ASMU vs. FAAR - Expense Ratio Comparison

ASMU has a 0.97% expense ratio, which is higher than FAAR's 0.95% expense ratio.

Dividends

ASMU vs. FAAR - Dividend Comparison

ASMU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.51%, less than FAAR's 10.25% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
ASMU Direxion Daily ASML Bull 2X ETF	0.51%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
FAAR First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF	10.25%	11.63%	3.45%	3.20%	5.82%	6.49%	3.05%	1.02%	0.58%	2.83%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ASMU and FAAR in my portfolio?

ASMU and FAAR have a correlation of -0.29, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, ASMU or FAAR?

On fees, FAAR is cheaper at 0.95% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, ASMU or FAAR?

FAAR is cheaper with a 0.95% expense ratio, compared with 0.97% for ASMU.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, ASMU or FAAR?

FAAR has the higher dividend yield at 10.25%, compared with 0.51% for ASMU.

What is the main difference between ASMU and FAAR?

ASMU is categorized as Leveraged Equities, while FAAR is Commodities. They also come from different issuers: Direxion and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.97% for ASMU and 0.95% for FAAR.