CSCS vs. SPXU

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

CSCS (Direxion Daily CSCO Bear 1X Shares) and SPXU (ProShares UltraPro Short S&P500) are both exchange-traded funds - CSCS is a Inverse Equities fund actively managed by Direxion, while SPXU is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Index (-300%). CSCS is actively managed, while SPXU is passively managed. Over the past year, CSCS returned -42.37% vs -41.21% for SPXU. At a 0.43 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. CSCS charges 1.00%/yr vs 0.90%/yr for SPXU.

Performance

CSCS vs. SPXU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Direxion Daily CSCO Bear 1X Shares (CSCS) and ProShares UltraPro Short S&P500 (SPXU). 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 SPXU's -25.00% return.

CSCS

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

SPXU

• 1D: 1.61%
• 1M: -0.30%
• 6M: -21.86%
• YTD: -25.00%
• 1Y: -41.21%
• 3Y*: -39.91%
• 5Y*: -33.74%
• 10Y*: -41.20%

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

CSCS vs. SPXU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
CSCS Direxion Daily CSCO Bear 1X Shares	-34.46%	-11.22%
SPXU ProShares UltraPro Short S&P500	-25.00%	-27.42%

Correlation

The correlation between CSCS and SPXU is 0.43, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

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

Return for Risk

CSCS vs. SPXU — 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

SPXU

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

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. SPXU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Direxion Daily CSCO Bear 1X Shares (CSCS) and ProShares UltraPro Short S&P500 (SPXU). 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	SPXU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-1.30	-1.10	-0.20
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-2.03	-1.71	-0.32
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.75	0.81	-0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.82	-0.94	+0.12
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.78	-1.61	-0.17

CSCS vs. SPXU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CSCS Sharpe Ratio is -1.30, which is comparable to the SPXU Sharpe Ratio of -1.10. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CSCS and SPXU, 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. SPXU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CSCS drawdown since its inception was -51.58%, smaller than the maximum SPXU drawdown of -99.99%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CSCS and SPXU.

Drawdown Indicators

	CSCS	SPXU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-51.58%	-99.99%	+48.41%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-51.58%	-43.83%	-7.75%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-84.36%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-90.23%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-99.56%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-43.48%	-99.99%	+56.51%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-17.29%	-93.36%	+76.07%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	23.80%	25.60%	-1.80%

Volatility

CSCS vs. SPXU - Volatility Comparison

Direxion Daily CSCO Bear 1X Shares (CSCS) has a higher volatility of 10.92% compared to ProShares UltraPro Short S&P500 (SPXU) at 10.37%. This indicates that CSCS's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SPXU based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	CSCS	SPXU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	10.92%	10.37%	+0.55%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	29.34%	30.00%	-0.66%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	32.59%	37.51%	-4.92%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	31.91%	50.67%	-18.76%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	31.91%	53.33%	-21.42%

CSCS vs. SPXU - Expense Ratio Comparison

CSCS has a 1.00% expense ratio, which is higher than SPXU's 0.90% expense ratio.

Dividends

CSCS vs. SPXU - Dividend Comparison

CSCS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.36%, less than SPXU's 6.92% 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%
SPXU ProShares UltraPro Short S&P500	6.92%	7.02%	9.53%	7.06%	0.39%	0.00%	0.70%	2.14%	1.41%	0.10%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both CSCS and SPXU in my portfolio?

CSCS and SPXU 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 SPXU?

CSCS has higher volatility (10.92%) compared to SPXU (10.37%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CSCS dropped -51.58% vs SPXU's -99.99%.

Which ETF is better, CSCS or SPXU?

On 1-year performance, SPXU leads with -41.21% vs -42.37% for CSCS. On fees, SPXU is cheaper at 0.90% per year. On volatility, SPXU has been the lower-risk option at 10.37%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, CSCS or SPXU?

Over the 1-year period, SPXU has performed better with a -41.21% 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 SPXU?

SPXU is cheaper with a 0.90% expense ratio, compared with 1.00% for CSCS.

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

SPXU has the higher dividend yield at 6.92%, compared with 4.36% for CSCS.

What is the main difference between CSCS and SPXU?

CSCS is categorized as Inverse Equities, while SPXU is S&P 500. They also come from different issuers: Direxion and ProShares. Their fees differ too: 1.00% for CSCS and 0.90% for SPXU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SPXU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (-1.10 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.