BRZU vs. FAS

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

BRZU (Direxion Daily Brazil Bull 2X Shares) and FAS (Direxion Daily Financial Bull 3X Shares) are both Leveraged Equities funds from Direxion - BRZU tracks the MSCI Brazil 25/50 Index while FAS tracks the Russell 1000 Financial Services Index (300%). Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, BRZU returned -15.10%/yr vs 21.20%/yr for FAS. At a 0.41 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. BRZU charges 1.29%/yr vs 1.00%/yr for FAS.

Performance

BRZU vs. FAS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Direxion Daily Brazil Bull 2X Shares (BRZU) and Direxion Daily Financial Bull 3X Shares (FAS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BRZU achieves a 14.47% return, which is significantly higher than FAS's -13.50% return. Over the past 10 years, BRZU has underperformed FAS with an annualized return of -15.10%, while FAS has yielded a comparatively higher 21.20% annualized return.

BRZU

• 1D: 1.74%
• 1M: -9.87%
• YTD: 14.47%
• 6M: 11.16%
• 1Y: 53.22%
• 3Y*: 6.31%
• 5Y*: -2.87%
• 10Y*: -15.10%

FAS

• 1D: 4.15%
• 1M: 12.77%
• YTD: -13.50%
• 6M: -13.89%
• 1Y: 1.34%
• 3Y*: 38.21%
• 5Y*: 7.30%
• 10Y*: 21.20%

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

BRZU vs. FAS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
BRZU Direxion Daily Brazil Bull 2X Shares	14.47%	97.99%	-57.07%	55.48%	8.30%	-39.23%	-91.34%	57.02%	-37.21%	30.80%
FAS Direxion Daily Financial Bull 3X Shares	-13.50%	21.48%	84.47%	14.92%	-43.19%	116.59%	-34.97%	113.04%	-33.84%	67.37%

Correlation

The correlation between BRZU and FAS is 0.33, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.33
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.35
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.38
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.39
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 10, 2013	0.41

BRZU vs. FAS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	BRZU	FAS
Financial Services	32.7%	98.0%
Energy	18.7%	-
Basic Materials	13.7%	-
Utilities	12.8%	-
Industrials	10.9%	0.2%
Consumer Defensive	4.2%	-
Healthcare	2.4%	-
Communication Services	2.2%	-
Consumer Cyclical	1.5%	-
Technology	0.9%	1.7%
Real Estate	-	-

Return for Risk

BRZU vs. FAS — Risk / Return Rank

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

BRZU

BRZU Risk / Return Rank: 34
BRZU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 33
BRZU Sortino Ratio Rank: 33
BRZU Omega Ratio Rank: 34
BRZU Calmar Ratio Rank: 34
BRZU Martin Ratio Rank: 34

FAS

FAS Risk / Return Rank: 11
FAS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 10
FAS Sortino Ratio Rank: 11
FAS Omega Ratio Rank: 12
FAS Calmar Ratio Rank: 10
FAS Martin Ratio Rank: 10

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.

BRZU vs. FAS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Direxion Daily Brazil Bull 2X Shares (BRZU) and Direxion Daily Financial Bull 3X Shares (FAS). 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.

	BRZU	FAS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.07	0.03	+1.04
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.59	0.34	+1.25
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.20	1.04	+0.16
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.49	0.03	+1.45
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.43	0.08	+4.35

BRZU vs. FAS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BRZU Sharpe Ratio is 1.07, which is higher than the FAS Sharpe Ratio of 0.03. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BRZU and FAS, 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

BRZU vs. FAS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BRZU drawdown since its inception was -99.71%, which is greater than FAS's maximum drawdown of -91.61%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BRZU and FAS.

Drawdown Indicators

	BRZU	FAS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-99.71%	-91.61%	-8.10%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-35.97%	-40.88%	+4.91%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-58.25%	-43.10%	-15.15%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-65.00%	-66.88%	+1.88%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-98.11%	-85.99%	-12.12%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-99.18%	-20.63%	-78.55%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-89.55%	-31.12%	-58.43%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	12.06%	17.97%	-5.91%

Volatility

BRZU vs. FAS - Volatility Comparison

Direxion Daily Brazil Bull 2X Shares (BRZU) has a higher volatility of 14.76% compared to Direxion Daily Financial Bull 3X Shares (FAS) at 12.45%. This indicates that BRZU's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FAS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BRZU	FAS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	14.76%	12.45%	+2.31%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	39.95%	33.46%	+6.49%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	50.10%	43.61%	+6.49%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	55.45%	55.59%	-0.14%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	82.91%	61.33%	+21.58%

BRZU vs. FAS - Expense Ratio Comparison

BRZU has a 1.29% expense ratio, which is higher than FAS's 1.00% expense ratio.

Dividends

BRZU vs. FAS - Dividend Comparison

BRZU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.33%, less than FAS's 9.64% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
BRZU Direxion Daily Brazil Bull 2X Shares	2.33%	2.39%	8.73%	3.24%	4.70%	6.29%	0.78%	0.95%	1.04%	0.74%
FAS Direxion Daily Financial Bull 3X Shares	9.64%	8.21%	0.76%	1.77%	0.91%	0.60%	0.47%	0.62%	1.43%	0.11%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BRZU and FAS in my portfolio?

BRZU and FAS have a correlation of 0.33, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BRZU or FAS?

BRZU has higher volatility (14.76%) compared to FAS (12.45%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BRZU dropped -99.71% vs FAS's -91.61%.

Which ETF is better, BRZU or FAS?

On 10-year performance, FAS leads with 21.20% vs -15.10% for BRZU. On fees, FAS is cheaper at 1.00% per year. On volatility, FAS has been the lower-risk option at 12.45%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BRZU or FAS?

Over the 10-year period, FAS has performed better with a 21.20% return vs -15.10%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BRZU or FAS?

FAS is cheaper with a 1.00% expense ratio, compared with 1.29% for BRZU.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, BRZU or FAS?

FAS has the higher dividend yield at 9.64%, compared with 2.33% for BRZU.

What is the main difference between BRZU and FAS?

BRZU tracks MSCI Brazil 25/50 Index, while FAS tracks Russell 1000 Financial Services Index (300%). Their fees differ too: 1.29% for BRZU and 1.00% for FAS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BRZU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.07 vs 0.03), 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.