BNKU vs. YCL

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

BNKU (MicroSectors U.S. Big Banks Index 3X Leveraged ETNs) and YCL (ProShares Ultra Yen) are both exchange-traded funds - BNKU is a Leveraged Equities fund tracking the Solactive MicroSectors U.S. Big Banks Index (-300%), while YCL is a Leveraged Currency fund tracking the USD/JPY Exchange Rate (-200%). Both are passively managed. Over the past year, BNKU returned 95.35% vs -24.77% for YCL. At a correlation of -0.08, they often move in opposite directions. Both charge a 0.95% expense ratio.

Performance

BNKU vs. YCL - 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 ProShares Ultra Yen (YCL). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BNKU achieves a 1.62% return, which is significantly higher than YCL's -5.83% return.

BNKU

• 1D: 4.00%
• 1M: 4.87%
• YTD: 1.62%
• 6M: 22.46%
• 1Y: 95.35%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

YCL

• 1D: -0.34%
• 1M: -3.82%
• YTD: -5.83%
• 6M: -7.72%
• 1Y: -24.77%
• 3Y*: -15.08%
• 5Y*: -19.19%
• 10Y*: -12.51%

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

BNKU vs. YCL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
BNKU MicroSectors U.S. Big Banks Index 3X Leveraged ETNs	1.62%	46.04%
YCL ProShares Ultra Yen	-5.83%	-13.85%

Correlation

The correlation between BNKU and YCL is 0.07, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.07
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 21, 2025	-0.08

The correlation between BNKU and YCL shifts across timeframes, from -0.08 (all time) to 0.07 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

BNKU vs. YCL — Risk / Return Rank

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

BNKU

BNKU Risk / Return Rank: 43
BNKU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 48
BNKU Sortino Ratio Rank: 41
BNKU Omega Ratio Rank: 42
BNKU Calmar Ratio Rank: 47
BNKU Martin Ratio Rank: 39

YCL

YCL Risk / Return Rank: 1
YCL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 0
YCL Sortino Ratio Rank: 0
YCL Omega Ratio Rank: 1
YCL Calmar Ratio Rank: 1
YCL Martin Ratio Rank: 1

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. YCL - 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 ProShares Ultra Yen (YCL). 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	YCL	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.69	-1.48	+3.17
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.09	-2.30	+4.39
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.28	0.76	+0.52
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.34	-0.95	+3.30
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	6.22	-1.40	+7.61
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. YCL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BNKU Sharpe Ratio is 1.69, which is higher than the YCL Sharpe Ratio of -1.48. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BNKU and YCL, 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	YCL	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.69	-1.48	+3.17
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	-0.94	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	-0.67	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.50	-0.50	+1.00

Drawdowns

BNKU vs. YCL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BNKU drawdown since its inception was -58.03%, smaller than the maximum YCL drawdown of -88.15%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BNKU and YCL.

Drawdown Indicators

	BNKU	YCL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-58.03%	-88.15%	+30.12%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-40.97%	-24.55%	-16.42%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-39.91%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-66.19%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-76.71%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-13.86%	-88.15%	+74.29%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-16.56%	-53.11%	+36.55%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	15.45%	16.96%	-1.51%

Volatility

BNKU vs. YCL - Volatility Comparison

MicroSectors U.S. Big Banks Index 3X Leveraged ETNs (BNKU) has a higher volatility of 14.25% compared to ProShares Ultra Yen (YCL) at 2.72%. This indicates that BNKU's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than YCL based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BNKU	YCL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	14.25%	2.72%	+11.53%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	44.91%	11.63%	+33.28%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	56.59%	16.88%	+39.71%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	72.91%	20.53%	+52.38%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	72.91%	18.61%	+54.30%

BNKU vs. YCL - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both BNKU and YCL have an expense ratio of 0.95%.

Dividends

BNKU vs. YCL - Dividend Comparison

Neither BNKU nor YCL has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BNKU and YCL in my portfolio?

BNKU and YCL have a correlation of 0.07, 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 YCL?

BNKU has higher volatility (14.25%) compared to YCL (2.72%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BNKU dropped -58.03% vs YCL's -88.15%.

Which ETF is better, BNKU or YCL?

On 1-year performance, BNKU leads with 95.35% vs -24.77% for YCL. Both ETFs have the same 0.95% expense ratio. On volatility, YCL has been the lower-risk option at 2.72%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BNKU or YCL?

Over the 1-year period, BNKU has performed better with a 95.35% return vs -24.77%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BNKU or YCL?

BNKU and YCL have the same expense ratio: 0.95% per year.

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

BNKU and YCL have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between BNKU and YCL?

BNKU is categorized as Leveraged Equities, while YCL is Leveraged Currency. BNKU tracks Solactive MicroSectors U.S. Big Banks Index (-300%), while YCL tracks USD/JPY Exchange Rate (-200%). They also come from different issuers: Bank of Montreal and ProShares.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BNKU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.69 vs -1.48), 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.