BABU vs. LABU

Last updated Jul 4, 2026

BABU (Direxion Daily BABA Bull 2X ETF) and LABU (Direxion Daily S&P Biotech Bull 3x Shares) are both Leveraged Equities funds from Direxion - BABU tracks the Alibaba Group Holding Limited (BABA) while LABU tracks the S&P Biotechnology Select Industry Index (300%). Both are passively managed. At a 0.23 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. BABU charges 0.97%/yr vs 1.12%/yr for LABU.

Performance

BABU vs. LABU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Direxion Daily BABA Bull 2X ETF (BABU) and Direxion Daily S&P Biotech Bull 3x Shares (LABU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

BABU

• 1D: -3.84%
• 1M: -43.39%
• 6M: —
• YTD: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

LABU

• 1D: 7.54%
• 1M: 83.41%
• 6M: 92.67%
• YTD: 90.38%
• 1Y: 396.23%
• 3Y*: 38.16%
• 5Y*: -27.14%
• 10Y*: -6.64%

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

BABU vs. LABU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
BABU Direxion Daily BABA Bull 2X ETF	-68.77%
LABU Direxion Daily S&P Biotech Bull 3x Shares	83.12%

Correlation

The correlation between BABU and LABU is 0.23, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 11, 2026	0.23

Return for Risk

BABU vs. LABU — Risk / Return Rank

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

BABU

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

LABU

LABU Risk / Return Rank: 96
LABU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 98
LABU Sortino Ratio Rank: 94
LABU Omega Ratio Rank: 91
LABU Calmar Ratio Rank: 98
LABU Martin Ratio Rank: 97

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.

BABU vs. LABU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Direxion Daily BABA Bull 2X ETF (BABU) and Direxion Daily S&P Biotech Bull 3x Shares (LABU). 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.

	BABU	LABU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	5.12	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	4.03	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.48	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	13.24	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	37.19	—

Drawdowns

BABU vs. LABU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BABU drawdown since its inception was -69.52%, smaller than the maximum LABU drawdown of -99.18%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BABU and LABU.

Drawdown Indicators

	BABU	LABU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-69.52%	-99.18%	+29.66%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-30.70%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-78.30%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-97.48%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-98.96%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-68.77%	-93.29%	+24.52%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-39.88%	-81.75%	+41.87%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	10.91%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	BABU	LABU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	24.66%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	63.03%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	77.89%	79.53%	-1.64%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	77.89%	96.00%	-18.11%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	77.89%	95.20%	-17.31%

BABU vs. LABU - Expense Ratio Comparison

BABU has a 0.97% expense ratio, which is lower than LABU's 1.12% expense ratio.

Dividends

BABU vs. LABU - Dividend Comparison

BABU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.29%, more than LABU's 0.33% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
BABU Direxion Daily BABA Bull 2X ETF	1.29%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
LABU Direxion Daily S&P Biotech Bull 3x Shares	0.33%	0.84%	0.35%	0.35%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.28%	0.64%	0.17%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BABU and LABU in my portfolio?

BABU and LABU have a correlation of 0.23, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, BABU or LABU?

On fees, BABU is cheaper at 0.97% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, BABU or LABU?

BABU is cheaper with a 0.97% expense ratio, compared with 1.12% for LABU.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, BABU or LABU?

BABU has the higher dividend yield at 1.29%, compared with 0.33% for LABU.

What is the main difference between BABU and LABU?

BABU tracks Alibaba Group Holding Limited (BABA), while LABU tracks S&P Biotechnology Select Industry Index (300%). Their fees differ too: 0.97% for BABU and 1.12% for LABU.