CATH vs. SPXL

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

CATH (Global X S&P 500 Catholic Values ETF) and SPXL (Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bull 3X ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - CATH is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Catholic Values Index, while SPXL is a Leveraged Equities fund tracking the S&P 500. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, CATH returned 14.46%/yr vs 28.72%/yr for SPXL. With a 0.95 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. CATH charges 0.29%/yr vs 0.84%/yr for SPXL.

Performance

CATH vs. SPXL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Global X S&P 500 Catholic Values ETF (CATH) 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, CATH achieves a 9.15% return, which is significantly lower than SPXL's 24.85% return. Over the past 10 years, CATH has underperformed SPXL with an annualized return of 14.46%, while SPXL has yielded a comparatively higher 28.72% annualized return.

CATH

• 1D: -0.49%
• 1M: 0.21%
• 6M: 7.77%
• YTD: 9.15%
• 1Y: 18.63%
• 3Y*: 18.35%
• 5Y*: 12.00%
• 10Y*: 14.46%

SPXL

• 1D: -1.60%
• 1M: -0.19%
• 6M: 19.87%
• YTD: 24.85%
• 1Y: 55.18%
• 3Y*: 44.11%
• 5Y*: 21.24%
• 10Y*: 28.72%

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

CATH vs. SPXL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
CATH Global X S&P 500 Catholic Values ETF	9.15%	17.08%	23.34%	26.15%	-19.96%	28.87%	18.80%	30.64%	-5.80%	22.83%
SPXL Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bull 3X ETF	24.85%	31.94%	63.61%	69.49%	-56.55%	98.75%	9.64%	102.80%	-25.11%	71.03%

Correlation

The correlation between CATH and SPXL is 0.99 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.99
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.99
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.99
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 19, 2016	0.95

The correlation between CATH and SPXL has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.99 - a consistent structural relationship.

CATH vs. SPXL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	CATH	SPXL
Technology	38.9%	39.0%
Financial Services	11.3%	11.1%
Communication Services	10.8%	10.6%
Consumer Cyclical	10.0%	9.9%
Industrials	7.9%	7.8%
Healthcare	7.8%	8.3%
Consumer Defensive	4.5%	4.5%
Energy	3.2%	3.1%
Utilities	2.1%	2.1%
Real Estate	1.8%	1.8%
Basic Materials	1.7%	1.7%

Return for Risk

CATH vs. SPXL — Risk / Return Rank

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

CATH

CATH Risk / Return Rank: 53
CATH Sharpe Ratio Rank: 53
CATH Sortino Ratio Rank: 51
CATH Omega Ratio Rank: 52
CATH Calmar Ratio Rank: 48
CATH Martin Ratio Rank: 60

SPXL

SPXL Risk / Return Rank: 52
SPXL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 53
SPXL Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
SPXL Omega Ratio Rank: 49
SPXL Calmar Ratio Rank: 50
SPXL Martin Ratio Rank: 58

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.

CATH vs. SPXL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X S&P 500 Catholic Values ETF (CATH) 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.

	CATH	SPXL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.48	1.47	0.00
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.05	1.97	+0.08
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.26	+0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.99	2.07	-0.09
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.37	8.18	+0.20

CATH vs. SPXL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CATH Sharpe Ratio is 1.48, which is comparable to the SPXL Sharpe Ratio of 1.47. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CATH 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

CATH vs. SPXL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CATH drawdown since its inception was -33.95%, smaller than the maximum SPXL drawdown of -76.86%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CATH and SPXL.

Drawdown Indicators

	CATH	SPXL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-33.95%	-76.86%	+42.91%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.42%	-26.77%	+17.35%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.34%	-48.95%	+29.61%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.14%	-63.80%	+35.66%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-33.95%	-76.86%	+42.91%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.90%	-4.60%	+3.70%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.16%	-16.06%	+10.90%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.23%	6.77%	-4.54%

Volatility

CATH vs. SPXL - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Global X S&P 500 Catholic Values ETF (CATH) is 3.24%, while Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bull 3X ETF (SPXL) has a volatility of 10.79%. This indicates that CATH 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

	CATH	SPXL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.24%	10.79%	-7.55%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.97%	30.09%	-20.12%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.68%	37.68%	-25.00%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.99%	50.59%	-32.60%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.59%	53.38%	-34.79%

CATH vs. SPXL - Expense Ratio Comparison

CATH has a 0.29% expense ratio, which is lower than SPXL's 0.84% expense ratio.

Dividends

CATH vs. SPXL - Dividend Comparison

CATH's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.77%, more than SPXL's 0.52% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
CATH Global X S&P 500 Catholic Values ETF	0.77%	0.84%	0.95%	1.16%	1.34%	1.03%	1.23%	0.68%	2.01%	1.27%	0.50%
SPXL Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bull 3X ETF	0.52%	0.69%	0.74%	0.98%	0.32%	0.11%	0.22%	0.84%	1.02%	3.88%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both CATH and SPXL in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.99, CATH and SPXL move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, CATH or SPXL?

SPXL has higher volatility (10.79%) compared to CATH (3.24%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CATH dropped -33.95% vs SPXL's -76.86%.

Which ETF is better, CATH or SPXL?

On 10-year performance, SPXL leads with 28.72% vs 14.46% for CATH. On fees, CATH is cheaper at 0.29% per year. On volatility, CATH has been the lower-risk option at 3.24%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, CATH or SPXL?

Over the 10-year period, SPXL has performed better with a 28.72% return vs 14.46%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, CATH or SPXL?

CATH is cheaper with a 0.29% expense ratio, compared with 0.84% for SPXL.

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

CATH has the higher dividend yield at 0.77%, compared with 0.52% for SPXL.

What is the main difference between CATH and SPXL?

CATH is categorized as S&P 500, while SPXL is Leveraged Equities. CATH tracks S&P 500 Catholic Values Index, while SPXL tracks S&P 500. They also come from different issuers: Global X and Direxion. Their fees differ too: 0.29% for CATH and 0.84% for SPXL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

CATH currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.48 vs 1.47), 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.