DFEB vs. TSLS

Last updated Jul 12, 2026

DFEB (FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - February) and TSLS (Direxion Daily TSLA Bear 1X Shares) are both exchange-traded funds - DFEB is a Defined Outcome fund actively managed by FT Vest, while TSLS is a Inverse Equities fund tracking the Tesla Inc (--100%). DFEB is actively managed, while TSLS is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, DFEB returned 12.86%/yr vs -32.78%/yr for TSLS. At a correlation of -0.54, they often move in opposite directions. DFEB charges 0.85%/yr vs 1.07%/yr for TSLS.

Performance

DFEB vs. TSLS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - February (DFEB) and Direxion Daily TSLA Bear 1X Shares (TSLS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFEB achieves a 6.40% return, which is significantly higher than TSLS's 4.15% return.

DFEB

• 1D: 0.27%
• 1M: 1.17%
• 6M: 5.74%
• YTD: 6.40%
• 1Y: 13.21%
• 3Y*: 12.86%
• 5Y*: 8.11%
• 10Y*: —

TSLS

• 1D: -0.21%
• 1M: -2.16%
• 6M: 3.33%
• YTD: 4.15%
• 1Y: -31.70%
• 3Y*: -32.78%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

DFEB vs. TSLS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
DFEB FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - February	6.40%	11.79%	13.87%	12.47%	-3.71%
TSLS Direxion Daily TSLA Bear 1X Shares	4.15%	-34.95%	-55.71%	-60.12%	105.60%

Correlation

The correlation between DFEB and TSLS is -0.60, 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	-0.60
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	-0.54
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 9, 2022	-0.54

The correlation between DFEB and TSLS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from -0.60 to -0.54 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

DFEB vs. TSLS — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFEB

DFEB Risk / Return Rank: 89
DFEB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 91
DFEB Sortino Ratio Rank: 92
DFEB Omega Ratio Rank: 93
DFEB Calmar Ratio Rank: 78
DFEB Martin Ratio Rank: 91

TSLS

TSLS Risk / Return Rank: 4
TSLS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 3
TSLS Sortino Ratio Rank: 4
TSLS Omega Ratio Rank: 4
TSLS Calmar Ratio Rank: 3
TSLS Martin Ratio Rank: 4

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.

DFEB vs. TSLS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - February (DFEB) and Direxion Daily TSLA Bear 1X Shares (TSLS). 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.

	DFEB	TSLS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.46	-0.72	+3.19
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.64	-0.89	+4.53
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.51	0.90	+0.60
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.23	-0.79	+4.02
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	16.50	-1.12	+17.62

DFEB vs. TSLS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFEB Sharpe Ratio is 2.46, which is higher than the TSLS Sharpe Ratio of -0.72. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFEB and TSLS, 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

DFEB vs. TSLS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFEB drawdown since its inception was -14.61%, smaller than the maximum TSLS drawdown of -90.73%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFEB and TSLS.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFEB	TSLS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-14.61%	-90.73%	+76.12%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-4.09%	-41.36%	+37.27%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-8.33%	-84.16%	+75.83%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-10.02%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-89.50%	+89.50%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.04%	-64.08%	+62.04%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.80%	28.97%	-28.17%

Volatility

DFEB vs. TSLS - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - February (DFEB) is 1.47%, while Direxion Daily TSLA Bear 1X Shares (TSLS) has a volatility of 17.88%. This indicates that DFEB experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than TSLS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFEB	TSLS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.47%	17.88%	-16.41%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	4.26%	31.40%	-27.14%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	5.37%	45.30%	-39.93%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	7.33%	58.82%	-51.49%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	8.91%	58.82%	-49.91%

DFEB vs. TSLS - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFEB has a 0.85% expense ratio, which is lower than TSLS's 1.07% expense ratio.

Dividends

DFEB vs. TSLS - Dividend Comparison

DFEB has not paid dividends to shareholders, while TSLS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.02%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
DFEB FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - February	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
TSLS Direxion Daily TSLA Bear 1X Shares	3.02%	4.30%	7.62%	4.52%	3.46%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFEB and TSLS in my portfolio?

DFEB and TSLS have a correlation of -0.60, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DFEB or TSLS?

TSLS has higher volatility (17.88%) compared to DFEB (1.47%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFEB dropped -14.61% vs TSLS's -90.73%.

Which ETF is better, DFEB or TSLS?

On 3-year performance, DFEB leads with 12.86% vs -32.78% for TSLS. On fees, DFEB is cheaper at 0.85% per year. On volatility, DFEB has been the lower-risk option at 1.47%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DFEB or TSLS?

Over the 3-year period, DFEB has performed better with a 12.86% return vs -32.78%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DFEB or TSLS?

DFEB is cheaper with a 0.85% expense ratio, compared with 1.07% for TSLS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DFEB or TSLS?

TSLS has the higher dividend yield at 3.02%, compared with 0.00% for DFEB.

What is the main difference between DFEB and TSLS?

DFEB is categorized as Defined Outcome, while TSLS is Inverse Equities. They also come from different issuers: FT Vest and Direxion. Their fees differ too: 0.85% for DFEB and 1.07% for TSLS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFEB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.46 vs -0.72), 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.