BNKU vs. PILL

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

BNKU (MicroSectors U.S. Big Banks Index 3X Leveraged ETNs) and PILL (Direxion Daily Pharmaceutical & Medical Bull 3X Shares) are both Leveraged Equities funds - BNKU tracks the Solactive MicroSectors U.S. Big Banks Index (-300%) while PILL tracks the Dynamic Pharmaceuticals Intellidex Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, BNKU returned 85.57% vs 106.72% for PILL. At a 0.46 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. BNKU charges 0.95%/yr vs 0.98%/yr for PILL.

Performance

BNKU vs. PILL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in MicroSectors U.S. Big Banks Index 3X Leveraged ETNs (BNKU) and Direxion Daily Pharmaceutical & Medical Bull 3X Shares (PILL). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BNKU achieves a -1.60% return, which is significantly higher than PILL's -9.17% return.

BNKU

• 1D: -3.18%
• 1M: 6.20%
• YTD: -1.60%
• 6M: 10.64%
• 1Y: 85.57%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

PILL

• 1D: 2.86%
• 1M: -15.52%
• YTD: -9.17%
• 6M: 0.63%
• 1Y: 106.72%
• 3Y*: 13.99%
• 5Y*: -11.92%
• 10Y*: —

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

BNKU vs. PILL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
BNKU MicroSectors U.S. Big Banks Index 3X Leveraged ETNs	-1.60%	46.04%
PILL Direxion Daily Pharmaceutical & Medical Bull 3X Shares	-9.17%	57.60%

Correlation

The correlation between BNKU and PILL is 0.39, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.39
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 21, 2025	0.46

BNKU vs. PILL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	BNKU	PILL
Financial Services	100.0%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Healthcare	-	100.0%
Industrials	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

BNKU vs. PILL — Risk / Return Rank

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

BNKU

BNKU Risk / Return Rank: 39
BNKU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 43
BNKU Sortino Ratio Rank: 37
BNKU Omega Ratio Rank: 39
BNKU Calmar Ratio Rank: 43
BNKU Martin Ratio Rank: 36

PILL

PILL Risk / Return Rank: 53
PILL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 50
PILL Sortino Ratio Rank: 47
PILL Omega Ratio Rank: 43
PILL Calmar Ratio Rank: 65
PILL Martin Ratio Rank: 60

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.

BNKU vs. PILL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for MicroSectors U.S. Big Banks Index 3X Leveraged ETNs (BNKU) and Direxion Daily Pharmaceutical & Medical Bull 3X Shares (PILL). 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.

	BNKU	PILL	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.52	1.74	-0.22
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	1.96	2.31	-0.35
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.28	-0.02
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.10	3.23	-1.13
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	5.55	10.63	-5.09
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

BNKU vs. PILL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BNKU Sharpe Ratio is 1.52, which is comparable to the PILL Sharpe Ratio of 1.74. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BNKU and PILL, 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

	BNKU	PILL	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.52	1.74	-0.22
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	-0.20	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.45	-0.12	+0.57

Drawdowns

BNKU vs. PILL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BNKU drawdown since its inception was -58.03%, smaller than the maximum PILL drawdown of -88.76%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BNKU and PILL.

Drawdown Indicators

	BNKU	PILL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-58.03%	-88.76%	+30.73%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-40.97%	-33.21%	-7.76%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-60.43%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-83.38%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-16.59%	-68.88%	+52.29%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-16.56%	-58.54%	+41.98%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	15.48%	10.07%	+5.41%

Volatility

BNKU vs. PILL - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for MicroSectors U.S. Big Banks Index 3X Leveraged ETNs (BNKU) is 13.86%, while Direxion Daily Pharmaceutical & Medical Bull 3X Shares (PILL) has a volatility of 20.62%. This indicates that BNKU experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than PILL based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BNKU	PILL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	13.86%	20.62%	-6.76%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	45.02%	48.56%	-3.54%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	56.70%	61.71%	-5.01%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	72.86%	60.42%	+12.44%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	72.86%	63.79%	+9.07%

BNKU vs. PILL - Expense Ratio Comparison

BNKU has a 0.95% expense ratio, which is lower than PILL's 0.98% expense ratio.

Dividends

BNKU vs. PILL - Dividend Comparison

BNKU has not paid dividends to shareholders, while PILL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.69%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
BNKU MicroSectors U.S. Big Banks Index 3X Leveraged ETNs	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
PILL Direxion Daily Pharmaceutical & Medical Bull 3X Shares	0.69%	0.69%	1.28%	1.83%	0.67%	0.00%	0.00%	0.38%	0.91%	0.10%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BNKU and PILL in my portfolio?

BNKU and PILL have a correlation of 0.39, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BNKU or PILL?

PILL has higher volatility (20.62%) compared to BNKU (13.86%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BNKU dropped -58.03% vs PILL's -88.76%.

Which ETF is better, BNKU or PILL?

On 1-year performance, PILL leads with 106.72% vs 85.57% for BNKU. On fees, BNKU is cheaper at 0.95% per year. On volatility, BNKU has been the lower-risk option at 13.86%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BNKU or PILL?

Over the 1-year period, PILL has performed better with a 106.72% return vs 85.57%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BNKU or PILL?

BNKU is cheaper with a 0.95% expense ratio, compared with 0.98% for PILL.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, BNKU or PILL?

PILL has the higher dividend yield at 0.69%, compared with 0.00% for BNKU.

What is the main difference between BNKU and PILL?

BNKU tracks Solactive MicroSectors U.S. Big Banks Index (-300%), while PILL tracks Dynamic Pharmaceuticals Intellidex Index. They also come from different issuers: Bank of Montreal and Direxion. Their fees differ too: 0.95% for BNKU and 0.98% for PILL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PILL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.74 vs 1.52), 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.