CSCS vs. SPXL

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

CSCS (Direxion Daily CSCO Bear 1X Shares) and SPXL (Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bull 3X ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - CSCS is a Inverse Equities fund actively managed by Direxion, while SPXL is a Leveraged Equities fund tracking the S&P 500. CSCS is actively managed, while SPXL is passively managed. Over the past year, CSCS returned -42.37% vs 55.18% for SPXL. At a correlation of -0.43, they often move in opposite directions. CSCS charges 1.00%/yr vs 0.84%/yr for SPXL.

Performance

CSCS vs. SPXL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Direxion Daily CSCO Bear 1X Shares (CSCS) 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, CSCS achieves a -34.46% return, which is significantly lower than SPXL's 24.85% return.

CSCS

• 1D: 1.84%
• 1M: 7.96%
• 6M: -35.69%
• YTD: -34.46%
• 1Y: -42.37%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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)

CSCS vs. SPXL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
CSCS Direxion Daily CSCO Bear 1X Shares	-34.46%	-11.22%
SPXL Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bull 3X ETF	24.85%	34.42%

Correlation

The correlation between CSCS and SPXL is -0.43, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.43
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 25, 2025	-0.43

Return for Risk

CSCS vs. SPXL — Risk / Return Rank

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

CSCS

CSCS Risk / Return Rank: 1
CSCS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 0
CSCS Sortino Ratio Rank: 0
CSCS Omega Ratio Rank: 0
CSCS Calmar Ratio Rank: 2
CSCS Martin Ratio Rank: 0

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.

CSCS vs. SPXL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Direxion Daily CSCO Bear 1X Shares (CSCS) 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.

	CSCS	SPXL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-1.30	1.47	-2.78
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-2.03	1.97	-4.00
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.75	1.26	-0.50
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.82	2.07	-2.90
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.78	8.18	-9.96

CSCS vs. SPXL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CSCS Sharpe Ratio is -1.30, which is lower than the SPXL Sharpe Ratio of 1.47. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CSCS 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

CSCS vs. SPXL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CSCS drawdown since its inception was -51.58%, smaller than the maximum SPXL drawdown of -76.86%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CSCS and SPXL.

Drawdown Indicators

	CSCS	SPXL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-51.58%	-76.86%	+25.28%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-51.58%	-26.77%	-24.81%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-48.95%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-63.80%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-76.86%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-43.48%	-4.60%	-38.88%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-17.29%	-16.06%	-1.23%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	23.80%	6.77%	+17.03%

Volatility

CSCS vs. SPXL - Volatility Comparison

Direxion Daily CSCO Bear 1X Shares (CSCS) and Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bull 3X ETF (SPXL) have volatilities of 10.92% and 10.79%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	CSCS	SPXL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	10.92%	10.79%	+0.13%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	29.34%	30.09%	-0.75%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	32.59%	37.68%	-5.09%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	31.91%	50.59%	-18.68%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	31.91%	53.38%	-21.47%

CSCS vs. SPXL - Expense Ratio Comparison

CSCS has a 1.00% expense ratio, which is higher than SPXL's 0.84% expense ratio.

Dividends

CSCS vs. SPXL - Dividend Comparison

CSCS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.36%, more than SPXL's 0.52% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
CSCS Direxion Daily CSCO Bear 1X Shares	4.36%	1.72%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
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%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both CSCS and SPXL in my portfolio?

CSCS and SPXL have a correlation of -0.43, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, CSCS or SPXL?

CSCS has higher volatility (10.92%) compared to SPXL (10.79%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CSCS dropped -51.58% vs SPXL's -76.86%.

Which ETF is better, CSCS or SPXL?

On 1-year performance, SPXL leads with 55.18% vs -42.37% for CSCS. On fees, SPXL is cheaper at 0.84% per year. On volatility, SPXL has been the lower-risk option at 10.79%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, CSCS or SPXL?

Over the 1-year period, SPXL has performed better with a 55.18% return vs -42.37%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, CSCS or SPXL?

SPXL is cheaper with a 0.84% expense ratio, compared with 1.00% for CSCS.

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

CSCS has the higher dividend yield at 4.36%, compared with 0.52% for SPXL.

What is the main difference between CSCS and SPXL?

CSCS is categorized as Inverse Equities, while SPXL is Leveraged Equities. Their fees differ too: 1.00% for CSCS and 0.84% for SPXL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SPXL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.47 vs -1.30), 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.