BLOK vs. DFEN

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

BLOK (Amplify Blockchain Technology ETF) and DFEN (Direxion Daily Aerospace & Defense Bull 3X Shares) are both exchange-traded funds - BLOK is a Blockchain fund actively managed by Amplify, while DFEN is a Leveraged Equities fund tracking the Dow Jones U.S. Select Aerospace & Defense Index (300%). BLOK is actively managed, while DFEN is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, BLOK returned 11.50%/yr vs 29.22%/yr for DFEN. At a 0.48 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. BLOK charges 0.70%/yr vs 0.99%/yr for DFEN.

Performance

BLOK vs. DFEN - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Amplify Blockchain Technology ETF (BLOK) and Direxion Daily Aerospace & Defense Bull 3X Shares (DFEN). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with BLOK having a 12.57% return and DFEN slightly higher at 13.12%.

BLOK

• 1D: 1.33%
• 1M: -0.28%
• YTD: 12.57%
• 6M: 5.60%
• 1Y: 24.42%
• 3Y*: 50.68%
• 5Y*: 11.50%
• 10Y*: —

DFEN

• 1D: -2.71%
• 1M: 7.74%
• YTD: 13.12%
• 6M: 20.44%
• 1Y: 76.99%
• 3Y*: 64.38%
• 5Y*: 29.22%
• 10Y*: —

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

BLOK vs. DFEN - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
BLOK Amplify Blockchain Technology ETF	12.57%	32.64%	53.12%	99.62%	-62.36%	30.76%	90.17%	29.54%	-25.38%
DFEN Direxion Daily Aerospace & Defense Bull 3X Shares	13.12%	156.62%	27.07%	24.70%	6.99%	12.72%	-70.23%	95.09%	-40.77%

Correlation

The correlation between BLOK and DFEN is 0.47, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.48
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.43
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.47
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 17, 2018	0.48

BLOK vs. DFEN - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	BLOK	DFEN
Financial Services	55.3%	-
Technology	31.8%	0.0%
Consumer Cyclical	6.7%	-
Communication Services	5.2%	-
Industrials	1.0%	19.7%
Real Estate	0.0%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

BLOK vs. DFEN — Risk / Return Rank

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

BLOK

BLOK Risk / Return Rank: 20
BLOK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 21
BLOK Sortino Ratio Rank: 22
BLOK Omega Ratio Rank: 22
BLOK Calmar Ratio Rank: 19
BLOK Martin Ratio Rank: 17

DFEN

DFEN Risk / Return Rank: 38
DFEN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 37
DFEN Sortino Ratio Rank: 40
DFEN Omega Ratio Rank: 36
DFEN Calmar Ratio Rank: 42
DFEN Martin Ratio Rank: 33

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.

BLOK vs. DFEN - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Amplify Blockchain Technology ETF (BLOK) and Direxion Daily Aerospace & Defense Bull 3X Shares (DFEN). 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.

	BLOK	DFEN	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.63	1.18	-0.55
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.08	1.85	-0.78
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.13	1.22	-0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.69	1.85	-1.17
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.49	4.29	-2.80

BLOK vs. DFEN - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BLOK Sharpe Ratio is 0.63, which is lower than the DFEN Sharpe Ratio of 1.18. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BLOK and DFEN, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

BLOK vs. DFEN - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BLOK drawdown since its inception was -73.33%, smaller than the maximum DFEN drawdown of -91.36%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BLOK and DFEN.

Drawdown Indicators

	BLOK	DFEN	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-73.33%	-91.36%	+18.03%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-35.64%	-41.75%	+6.11%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-35.64%	-43.13%	+7.49%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-73.33%	-55.30%	-18.03%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-12.97%	-25.87%	+12.90%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-26.03%	-45.20%	+19.17%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	16.41%	17.99%	-1.58%

Volatility

BLOK vs. DFEN - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Amplify Blockchain Technology ETF (BLOK) is 13.34%, while Direxion Daily Aerospace & Defense Bull 3X Shares (DFEN) has a volatility of 27.31%. This indicates that BLOK experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than DFEN based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BLOK	DFEN	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	13.34%	27.31%	-13.97%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	30.02%	55.81%	-25.79%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	39.18%	65.81%	-26.63%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	42.53%	60.74%	-18.21%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	39.05%	71.66%	-32.61%

BLOK vs. DFEN - Expense Ratio Comparison

BLOK has a 0.70% expense ratio, which is lower than DFEN's 0.99% expense ratio.

Dividends

BLOK vs. DFEN - Dividend Comparison

BLOK's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.64%, less than DFEN's 7.89% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
BLOK Amplify Blockchain Technology ETF	0.64%	0.72%	6.00%	1.15%	0.00%	14.31%	1.88%	2.05%	1.30%	0.00%
DFEN Direxion Daily Aerospace & Defense Bull 3X Shares	7.89%	8.89%	14.12%	1.13%	0.46%	1.89%	0.48%	0.50%	1.07%	1.50%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BLOK and DFEN in my portfolio?

BLOK and DFEN have a correlation of 0.47, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BLOK or DFEN?

DFEN has higher volatility (27.31%) compared to BLOK (13.34%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BLOK dropped -73.33% vs DFEN's -91.36%.

Which ETF is better, BLOK or DFEN?

On 5-year performance, DFEN leads with 29.22% vs 11.50% for BLOK. On fees, BLOK is cheaper at 0.70% per year. On volatility, BLOK has been the lower-risk option at 13.34%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BLOK or DFEN?

Over the 5-year period, DFEN has performed better with a 29.22% return vs 11.50%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BLOK or DFEN?

BLOK is cheaper with a 0.70% expense ratio, compared with 0.99% for DFEN.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, BLOK or DFEN?

DFEN has the higher dividend yield at 7.89%, compared with 0.64% for BLOK.

What is the main difference between BLOK and DFEN?

BLOK is categorized as Blockchain, while DFEN is Leveraged Equities. They also come from different issuers: Amplify and Direxion. Their fees differ too: 0.70% for BLOK and 0.99% for DFEN.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFEN currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.18 vs 0.63), 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.