BRZU vs. SPXL

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

BRZU (Direxion Daily Brazil Bull 2X Shares) and SPXL (Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bull 3X ETF) are both Leveraged Equities funds from Direxion - BRZU tracks the MSCI Brazil 25/50 Index while SPXL tracks the S&P 500. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, BRZU returned -16.32%/yr vs 31.02%/yr for SPXL. At a 0.45 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. BRZU charges 1.29%/yr vs 0.84%/yr for SPXL.

Performance

BRZU vs. SPXL - 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 S&P 500 Bull 3X ETF (SPXL). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BRZU achieves a 10.43% return, which is significantly lower than SPXL's 17.24% return. Over the past 10 years, BRZU has underperformed SPXL with an annualized return of -16.32%, while SPXL has yielded a comparatively higher 31.02% annualized return.

BRZU

• 1D: 1.88%
• 1M: -11.31%
• YTD: 10.43%
• 6M: 12.45%
• 1Y: 49.04%
• 3Y*: 2.80%
• 5Y*: -4.20%
• 10Y*: -16.32%

SPXL

• 1D: 0.16%
• 1M: -7.31%
• YTD: 17.24%
• 6M: 12.76%
• 1Y: 57.32%
• 3Y*: 47.03%
• 5Y*: 20.47%
• 10Y*: 31.02%

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

BRZU vs. SPXL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
BRZU Direxion Daily Brazil Bull 2X Shares	10.43%	97.99%	-57.07%	55.48%	8.30%	-39.23%	-91.34%	57.02%	-37.21%	30.80%
SPXL Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bull 3X ETF	17.24%	31.94%	63.61%	69.49%	-56.55%	98.75%	9.64%	102.80%	-25.11%	71.03%

Correlation

The correlation between BRZU and SPXL is 0.50, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.50
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.45
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.40
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.43
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 10, 2013	0.45

The correlation between BRZU and SPXL shifts across timeframes, from 0.40 (5 years) to 0.50 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

BRZU vs. SPXL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	BRZU	SPXL
Financial Services	33.4%	11.1%
Energy	16.7%	3.1%
Basic Materials	15.3%	1.7%
Utilities	12.8%	2.1%
Industrials	11.0%	7.8%
Consumer Defensive	4.6%	4.5%
Healthcare	2.3%	8.3%
Communication Services	2.1%	10.6%
Consumer Cyclical	1.4%	9.9%
Technology	0.4%	39.0%
Real Estate	-	1.8%

Return for Risk

BRZU vs. SPXL — Risk / Return Rank

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

BRZU

BRZU Risk / Return Rank: 30
BRZU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 30
BRZU Sortino Ratio Rank: 31
BRZU Omega Ratio Rank: 30
BRZU Calmar Ratio Rank: 30
BRZU Martin Ratio Rank: 28

SPXL

SPXL Risk / Return Rank: 51
SPXL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 52
SPXL Sortino Ratio Rank: 46
SPXL Omega Ratio Rank: 48
SPXL Calmar Ratio Rank: 50
SPXL Martin Ratio Rank: 57

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. SPXL - 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 S&P 500 Bull 3X ETF (SPXL). 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	SPXL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.99	1.55	-0.56
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.52	2.03	-0.51
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.19	1.27	-0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.37	2.15	-0.78
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.67	8.68	-5.02

BRZU vs. SPXL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BRZU Sharpe Ratio is 0.99, which is lower than the SPXL Sharpe Ratio of 1.55. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BRZU and SPXL, 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. SPXL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BRZU drawdown since its inception was -99.71%, which is greater than SPXL's maximum drawdown of -76.86%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BRZU and SPXL.

Drawdown Indicators

	BRZU	SPXL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-99.71%	-76.86%	-22.85%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-35.97%	-26.77%	-9.20%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-58.25%	-48.95%	-9.30%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-63.60%	-63.80%	+0.20%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-98.11%	-76.86%	-21.25%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-99.21%	-10.42%	-88.79%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-89.57%	-16.09%	-73.48%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	13.42%	6.62%	+6.80%

Volatility

BRZU vs. SPXL - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Direxion Daily Brazil Bull 2X Shares (BRZU) is 12.17%, while Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bull 3X ETF (SPXL) has a volatility of 14.41%. This indicates that BRZU experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SPXL based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BRZU	SPXL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	12.17%	14.41%	-2.24%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	39.53%	29.37%	+10.16%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	49.99%	37.17%	+12.82%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	55.43%	50.53%	+4.90%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	82.67%	53.45%	+29.22%

BRZU vs. SPXL - Expense Ratio Comparison

BRZU has a 1.29% expense ratio, which is higher than SPXL's 0.84% expense ratio.

Dividends

BRZU vs. SPXL - Dividend Comparison

BRZU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.04%, more than SPXL's 0.55% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
BRZU Direxion Daily Brazil Bull 2X Shares	2.04%	2.39%	8.73%	3.24%	4.70%	6.29%	0.78%	0.95%	1.04%	0.74%
SPXL Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bull 3X ETF	0.55%	0.69%	0.74%	0.98%	0.32%	0.11%	0.22%	0.84%	1.02%	3.88%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BRZU and SPXL in my portfolio?

BRZU and SPXL have a correlation of 0.50, 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 SPXL?

SPXL has higher volatility (14.41%) compared to BRZU (12.17%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BRZU dropped -99.71% vs SPXL's -76.86%.

Which ETF is better, BRZU or SPXL?

On 10-year performance, SPXL leads with 31.02% vs -16.32% for BRZU. On fees, SPXL is cheaper at 0.84% per year. On volatility, BRZU has been the lower-risk option at 12.17%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BRZU or SPXL?

Over the 10-year period, SPXL has performed better with a 31.02% return vs -16.32%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BRZU or SPXL?

SPXL is cheaper with a 0.84% expense ratio, compared with 1.29% for BRZU.

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

BRZU has the higher dividend yield at 2.04%, compared with 0.55% for SPXL.

What is the main difference between BRZU and SPXL?

BRZU tracks MSCI Brazil 25/50 Index, while SPXL tracks S&P 500. Their fees differ too: 1.29% for BRZU and 0.84% for SPXL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SPXL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.55 vs 0.99), 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.