CIBR vs. TECL

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

CIBR (First Trust NASDAQ Cybersecurity ETF) and TECL (Direxion Daily Technology Bull 3X Shares) are both exchange-traded funds - CIBR is a Technology Equities fund tracking the Nasdaq CTA Cybersecurity Index, while TECL is a Leveraged Equities fund tracking the Technology Select Sector Index (300%). Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, CIBR returned 18.49%/yr vs 54.49%/yr for TECL. A 0.76 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. CIBR charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.91%/yr for TECL.

Performance

CIBR vs. TECL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust NASDAQ Cybersecurity ETF (CIBR) and Direxion Daily Technology Bull 3X Shares (TECL). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, CIBR achieves a 28.52% return, which is significantly lower than TECL's 125.87% return. Over the past 10 years, CIBR has underperformed TECL with an annualized return of 18.49%, while TECL has yielded a comparatively higher 54.49% annualized return.

CIBR

• 1D: -2.81%
• 1M: 31.43%
• YTD: 28.52%
• 6M: 24.03%
• 1Y: 25.78%
• 3Y*: 28.32%
• 5Y*: 16.28%
• 10Y*: 18.49%

TECL

• 1D: -2.99%
• 1M: 73.10%
• YTD: 125.87%
• 6M: 118.69%
• 1Y: 267.85%
• 3Y*: 80.64%
• 5Y*: 43.44%
• 10Y*: 54.49%

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

CIBR vs. TECL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
CIBR First Trust NASDAQ Cybersecurity ETF	28.52%	13.06%	18.21%	39.71%	-26.46%	19.67%	50.53%	28.52%	1.47%	18.61%
TECL Direxion Daily Technology Bull 3X Shares	125.87%	38.60%	36.15%	203.14%	-74.32%	112.80%	69.46%	185.58%	-24.03%	124.82%

Correlation

The correlation between CIBR and TECL is 0.63, 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	0.63
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.72
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.76
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.76
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 8, 2015	0.76

The correlation between CIBR and TECL shifts across timeframes, from 0.63 (1 year) to 0.76 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

CIBR vs. TECL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	CIBR	TECL
Technology	94.0%	20.4%
Industrials	3.5%	0.0%
Communication Services	2.6%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	0.0%
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

CIBR vs. TECL — Risk / Return Rank

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

CIBR

CIBR Risk / Return Rank: 26
CIBR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 29
CIBR Sortino Ratio Rank: 28
CIBR Omega Ratio Rank: 29
CIBR Calmar Ratio Rank: 24
CIBR Martin Ratio Rank: 22

TECL

TECL Risk / Return Rank: 85
TECL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 96
TECL Sortino Ratio Rank: 80
TECL Omega Ratio Rank: 79
TECL Calmar Ratio Rank: 90
TECL Martin Ratio Rank: 81

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.

CIBR vs. TECL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust NASDAQ Cybersecurity ETF (CIBR) and Direxion Daily Technology Bull 3X Shares (TECL). 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.

	CIBR	TECL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.06	4.35	-3.29
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.56	3.66	-2.10
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.20	1.48	-0.28
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.18	5.79	-4.61
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.79	16.63	-13.84
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

CIBR vs. TECL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CIBR Sharpe Ratio is 1.06, which is lower than the TECL Sharpe Ratio of 4.35. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CIBR and TECL, 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

	CIBR	TECL	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.06	4.35	-3.29
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.66	0.59	+0.07
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.79	0.76	+0.03
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.67	0.76	-0.10

Drawdowns

CIBR vs. TECL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CIBR drawdown since its inception was -33.89%, smaller than the maximum TECL drawdown of -77.96%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CIBR and TECL.

Drawdown Indicators

	CIBR	TECL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-33.89%	-77.96%	+44.07%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-21.99%	-46.58%	+24.59%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-21.99%	-66.58%	+44.59%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-33.89%	-77.96%	+44.07%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-33.89%	-77.96%	+44.07%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.81%	-2.99%	+0.18%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.66%	-18.38%	+9.72%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	9.25%	16.19%	-6.94%

Volatility

CIBR vs. TECL - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust NASDAQ Cybersecurity ETF (CIBR) is 10.90%, while Direxion Daily Technology Bull 3X Shares (TECL) has a volatility of 20.70%. This indicates that CIBR experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than TECL based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	CIBR	TECL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	10.90%	20.70%	-9.80%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	20.90%	49.83%	-28.93%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	24.50%	62.17%	-37.67%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	24.95%	74.09%	-49.14%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.60%	72.35%	-48.75%

CIBR vs. TECL - Expense Ratio Comparison

CIBR has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is lower than TECL's 0.91% expense ratio.

Dividends

CIBR vs. TECL - Dividend Comparison

CIBR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.45%, less than TECL's 3.15% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
CIBR First Trust NASDAQ Cybersecurity ETF	0.45%	0.42%	0.29%	0.42%	0.31%	0.59%	1.10%	0.23%	0.23%	0.10%	0.77%	0.58%
TECL Direxion Daily Technology Bull 3X Shares	3.15%	7.19%	0.29%	0.28%	0.22%	0.32%	0.52%	0.25%	0.47%	0.10%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both CIBR and TECL in my portfolio?

CIBR and TECL have a correlation of 0.63, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, CIBR or TECL?

TECL has higher volatility (20.70%) compared to CIBR (10.90%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CIBR dropped -33.89% vs TECL's -77.96%.

Which ETF is better, CIBR or TECL?

On 10-year performance, TECL leads with 54.49% vs 18.49% for CIBR. On fees, CIBR is cheaper at 0.60% per year. On volatility, CIBR has been the lower-risk option at 10.90%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, CIBR or TECL?

Over the 10-year period, TECL has performed better with a 54.49% return vs 18.49%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, CIBR or TECL?

CIBR is cheaper with a 0.60% expense ratio, compared with 0.91% for TECL.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, CIBR or TECL?

TECL has the higher dividend yield at 3.15%, compared with 0.45% for CIBR.

What is the main difference between CIBR and TECL?

CIBR is categorized as Technology Equities, while TECL is Leveraged Equities. CIBR tracks Nasdaq CTA Cybersecurity Index, while TECL tracks Technology Select Sector Index (300%). They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Direxion. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for CIBR and 0.91% for TECL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

TECL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (4.35 vs 1.06), 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.