DRLL vs. ERX

Last updated Aug 2, 2026

DRLL (Strive U.S. Energy ETF) and ERX (Direxion Daily Energy Bull 2X Shares) are both Energy Equities funds - DRLL tracks the Bloomberg US Energy Select Index while ERX tracks the Energy Select Sector Index (200%). Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, DRLL returned 12.74%/yr vs 17.67%/yr for ERX. Their 0.98 correlation means they have historically moved very closely together. DRLL charges 0.41%/yr vs 0.91%/yr for ERX.

Performance

DRLL vs. ERX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Strive U.S. Energy ETF (DRLL) and Direxion Daily Energy Bull 2X Shares (ERX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DRLL achieves a 36.69% return, which is significantly lower than ERX's 71.01% return.

DRLL

• 1D: 0.80%
• 1M: 14.19%
• 6M: 21.14%
• YTD: 36.69%
• 1Y: 44.82%
• 3Y*: 12.74%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 13.77%

ERX

• 1D: 1.98%
• 1M: 23.93%
• 6M: 32.46%
• YTD: 71.01%
• 1Y: 85.96%
• 3Y*: 17.67%
• 5Y*: 35.70%
• 10Y*: -8.11%
• ALL TIME*: -6.99%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
DRLL Strive U.S. Energy ETF	$463.62K	$500.96K	$563.89K
ERX Direxion Daily Energy Bull 2X Shares	$22.14M	$22.35M	$28.47M

DRLL vs. ERX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
DRLL Strive U.S. Energy ETF	36.69%	7.74%	0.02%	-1.84%	15.52%
ERX Direxion Daily Energy Bull 2X Shares	71.01%	2.79%	1.09%	-12.26%	39.02%

Correlation

The correlation between DRLL and ERX is 0.98 - they have historically moved very closely together. At this level, their price movements offset little of one another.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.98
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history.	0.98
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 9, 2022	0.98

The correlation between DRLL and ERX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.98 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.

DRLL vs. ERX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DRLL	ERX
Energy	99.1%	100.0%
Consumer Cyclical	0.9%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

DRLL vs. ERX — Risk / Return Rank

Compare historical risk-adjusted metric ranks over the past 12 months.

DRLL

DRLL Risk / Return Rank: 70
DRLL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 79
DRLL Sortino Ratio Rank: 72
DRLL Omega Ratio Rank: 72
DRLL Calmar Ratio Rank: 71
DRLL Martin Ratio Rank: 53

ERX

ERX Risk / Return Rank: 71
ERX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 82
ERX Sortino Ratio Rank: 72
ERX Omega Ratio Rank: 69
ERX Calmar Ratio Rank: 76
ERX Martin Ratio Rank: 57

The rank (0–100) uses a weighted average of the Sharpe, Sortino, Omega, Calmar, and Martin percentile ranks for the trailing 12 months. Higher means stronger historical risk-adjusted performance within the peer group.

DRLL vs. ERX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Strive U.S. Energy ETF (DRLL) and Direxion Daily Energy Bull 2X Shares (ERX). 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.

	DRLL	ERX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.82	1.88	-0.06
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.35	2.31	+0.03
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.29	+0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.46	2.65	-0.19
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.27	6.74	-0.47

DRLL vs. ERX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DRLL Sharpe Ratio is 1.82, which is comparable to the ERX Sharpe Ratio of 1.88. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DRLL and ERX, 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

DRLL vs. ERX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DRLL drawdown since its inception was -23.73%, smaller than the maximum ERX drawdown of -99.54%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DRLL and ERX.

Drawdown Indicators

	DRLL	ERX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-23.73%	-99.54%	+75.81%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.99%	-29.97%	+12.98%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.73%	-42.34%	+18.61%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-46.90%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-98.59%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.30%	-91.37%	+87.07%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.14%	-67.24%	+59.10%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.68%	11.83%	-5.15%

Volatility

DRLL vs. ERX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Strive U.S. Energy ETF (DRLL) is 6.71%, while Direxion Daily Energy Bull 2X Shares (ERX) has a volatility of 11.87%. This indicates that DRLL experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than ERX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DRLL	ERX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.71%	11.87%	-5.16%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	18.75%	33.76%	-15.01%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	23.03%	42.31%	-19.28%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	23.80%	51.50%	-27.70%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.80%	68.84%	-45.04%

DRLL vs. ERX - Expense Ratio Comparison

DRLL has a 0.41% expense ratio, which is lower than ERX's 0.91% expense ratio.

Dividends

DRLL vs. ERX - Dividend Comparison

DRLL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.22%, more than ERX's 1.49% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DRLL Strive U.S. Energy ETF	2.22%	2.99%	3.00%	3.01%	1.18%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
ERX Direxion Daily Energy Bull 2X Shares	1.49%	2.54%	2.94%	3.17%	2.23%	2.16%	2.35%	1.56%	3.10%	0.85%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DRLL and ERX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.98, DRLL and ERX 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, DRLL or ERX?

ERX has higher volatility (11.87%) compared to DRLL (6.71%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DRLL dropped -23.73% vs ERX's -99.54%.

Which ETF is better, DRLL or ERX?

On 3-year performance, ERX leads with 17.67% vs 12.74% for DRLL. On fees, DRLL is cheaper at 0.41% per year. On volatility, DRLL has been the lower-risk option at 6.71%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DRLL or ERX?

Over the 3-year period, ERX has performed better with a 17.67% return vs 12.74%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DRLL or ERX?

DRLL is cheaper with a 0.41% expense ratio, compared with 0.91% for ERX.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DRLL or ERX?

DRLL has the higher dividend yield at 2.22%, compared with 1.49% for ERX.

What is the main difference between DRLL and ERX?

DRLL tracks Bloomberg US Energy Select Index, while ERX tracks Energy Select Sector Index (200%). They also come from different issuers: Strive and Direxion. Their fees differ too: 0.41% for DRLL and 0.91% for ERX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ERX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.88 vs 1.82), 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.