BABU vs. NTSD

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

BABU (Direxion Daily BABA Bull 2X ETF) and NTSD (WisdomTree Efficient U.S. Plus International Equity Fund) are both Leveraged Equities funds. BABU is passively managed, while NTSD is actively managed. A 0.57 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. BABU charges 0.97%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for NTSD.

Performance

BABU vs. NTSD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Direxion Daily BABA Bull 2X ETF (BABU) and WisdomTree Efficient U.S. Plus International Equity Fund (NTSD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

BABU

• 1D: -5.41%
• 1M: -11.25%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

NTSD

• 1D: -1.11%
• 1M: 7.13%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

BABU vs. NTSD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
BABU Direxion Daily BABA Bull 2X ETF	-1.94%
NTSD WisdomTree Efficient U.S. Plus International Equity Fund	17.91%

Correlation

The correlation between BABU and NTSD is 0.57, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 20, 2026	0.57

Return for Risk

BABU vs. NTSD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Direxion Daily BABA Bull 2X ETF (BABU) and WisdomTree Efficient U.S. Plus International Equity Fund (NTSD). 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.

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

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	BABU	NTSD	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	-1.05	5.08	-6.13

Drawdowns

BABU vs. NTSD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BABU drawdown since its inception was -49.17%, which is greater than NTSD's maximum drawdown of -5.20%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BABU and NTSD.

Drawdown Indicators

	BABU	NTSD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-49.17%	-5.20%	-43.97%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-44.84%	-1.11%	-43.73%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-35.05%	-0.84%	-34.21%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	BABU	NTSD	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	82.22%	24.28%	+57.94%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	82.22%	24.28%	+57.94%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	82.22%	24.28%	+57.94%

BABU vs. NTSD - Expense Ratio Comparison

BABU has a 0.97% expense ratio, which is higher than NTSD's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

BABU vs. NTSD - Dividend Comparison

BABU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.36%, while NTSD has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM
BABU Direxion Daily BABA Bull 2X ETF	0.36%
NTSD WisdomTree Efficient U.S. Plus International Equity Fund	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BABU and NTSD in my portfolio?

BABU and NTSD have a correlation of 0.57, 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 NTSD?

On fees, NTSD is cheaper at 0.35% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, BABU or NTSD?

NTSD is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.97% for BABU.

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

BABU has the higher dividend yield at 0.36%, compared with 0.00% for NTSD.

What is the main difference between BABU and NTSD?

They also come from different issuers: Direxion and WisdomTree. Their fees differ too: 0.97% for BABU and 0.35% for NTSD.