DRN vs. RETL

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

DRN (Direxion Daily Real Estate Bull 3x Shares) and RETL (Direxion Daily Retail Bull 3X Shares) are both exchange-traded funds - DRN is a REIT fund tracking the MSCI US REIT Index (300%), while RETL is a Leveraged Equities fund tracking the Russell 1000 Retail Index (300%). Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, DRN returned -3.96%/yr vs -3.60%/yr for RETL. At a 0.48 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. Both charge a 0.99% expense ratio.

Performance

DRN vs. RETL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Direxion Daily Real Estate Bull 3x Shares (DRN) and Direxion Daily Retail Bull 3X Shares (RETL). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DRN achieves a 34.24% return, which is significantly higher than RETL's -0.70% return. Over the past 10 years, DRN has underperformed RETL with an annualized return of -3.96%, while RETL has yielded a comparatively higher -3.60% annualized return.

DRN

• 1D: 2.62%
• 1M: 6.26%
• YTD: 34.24%
• 6M: 33.93%
• 1Y: 16.41%
• 3Y*: 10.01%
• 5Y*: -10.77%
• 10Y*: -3.96%

RETL

• 1D: 0.11%
• 1M: 30.06%
• YTD: -0.70%
• 6M: -9.36%
• 1Y: 19.94%
• 3Y*: 10.78%
• 5Y*: -27.38%
• 10Y*: -3.60%

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

DRN vs. RETL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DRN Direxion Daily Real Estate Bull 3x Shares	34.24%	-11.24%	-5.29%	12.03%	-67.26%	152.94%	-55.37%	81.86%	-25.11%	7.50%
RETL Direxion Daily Retail Bull 3X Shares	-0.70%	-5.98%	9.59%	33.62%	-80.80%	101.03%	63.63%	23.41%	-35.21%	-1.31%

Correlation

The correlation between DRN and RETL is 0.45, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.45
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.50
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.53
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.47
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 14, 2010	0.48

The correlation between DRN and RETL has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.45 to 0.53 - a consistent structural relationship.

DRN vs. RETL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DRN	RETL
Real Estate	19.8%	-
Basic Materials	0.4%	-
Communication Services	-	0.3%
Consumer Cyclical	-	14.0%
Consumer Defensive	-	3.9%
Energy	-	0.3%
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	0.3%
Industrials	-	-
Technology	-	0.3%
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

DRN vs. RETL — Risk / Return Rank

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

DRN

DRN Risk / Return Rank: 17
DRN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 16
DRN Sortino Ratio Rank: 17
DRN Omega Ratio Rank: 17
DRN Calmar Ratio Rank: 19
DRN Martin Ratio Rank: 17

RETL

RETL Risk / Return Rank: 17
RETL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 15
RETL Sortino Ratio Rank: 19
RETL Omega Ratio Rank: 18
RETL Calmar Ratio Rank: 16
RETL Martin Ratio Rank: 15

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.

DRN vs. RETL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Direxion Daily Real Estate Bull 3x Shares (DRN) and Direxion Daily Retail Bull 3X Shares (RETL). 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.

	DRN	RETL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.40	0.33	+0.07
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.81	0.92	-0.11
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.10	1.10	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.68	0.53	+0.15
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.51	1.08	+0.43

DRN vs. RETL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DRN Sharpe Ratio is 0.40, which is comparable to the RETL Sharpe Ratio of 0.33. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DRN and RETL, 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

DRN vs. RETL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DRN drawdown since its inception was -86.32%, smaller than the maximum RETL drawdown of -92.00%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DRN and RETL.

Drawdown Indicators

	DRN	RETL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-86.32%	-92.00%	+5.68%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-24.28%	-38.08%	+13.80%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-48.26%	-62.72%	+14.46%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-80.58%	-92.00%	+11.42%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-86.32%	-92.00%	+5.68%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-61.73%	-82.95%	+21.22%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-35.11%	-37.62%	+2.51%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	10.92%	18.57%	-7.65%

Volatility

DRN vs. RETL - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Direxion Daily Real Estate Bull 3x Shares (DRN) is 14.29%, while Direxion Daily Retail Bull 3X Shares (RETL) has a volatility of 16.60%. This indicates that DRN experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than RETL based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DRN	RETL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	14.29%	16.60%	-2.31%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	30.42%	40.99%	-10.57%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	41.19%	60.71%	-19.52%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	56.78%	79.51%	-22.73%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	60.68%	79.80%	-19.12%

DRN vs. RETL - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both DRN and RETL have an expense ratio of 0.99%.

Dividends

DRN vs. RETL - Dividend Comparison

DRN's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.98%, more than RETL's 0.51% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
DRN Direxion Daily Real Estate Bull 3x Shares	1.98%	2.81%	2.24%	2.84%	2.70%	4.21%	1.90%	2.59%	3.11%	0.91%	0.00%
RETL Direxion Daily Retail Bull 3X Shares	0.51%	0.58%	1.13%	1.35%	0.71%	0.22%	0.19%	0.92%	1.19%	0.01%	2.60%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DRN and RETL in my portfolio?

DRN and RETL have a correlation of 0.45, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DRN or RETL?

RETL has higher volatility (16.60%) compared to DRN (14.29%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DRN dropped -86.32% vs RETL's -92.00%.

Which ETF is better, DRN or RETL?

On 10-year performance, RETL leads with -3.60% vs -3.96% for DRN. Both ETFs have the same 0.99% expense ratio. On volatility, DRN has been the lower-risk option at 14.29%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DRN or RETL?

Over the 10-year period, RETL has performed better with a -3.60% return vs -3.96%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DRN or RETL?

DRN and RETL have the same expense ratio: 0.99% per year.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DRN or RETL?

DRN has the higher dividend yield at 1.98%, compared with 0.51% for RETL.

What is the main difference between DRN and RETL?

DRN is categorized as REIT, while RETL is Leveraged Equities. DRN tracks MSCI US REIT Index (300%), while RETL tracks Russell 1000 Retail Index (300%).

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DRN currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.40 vs 0.33), 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.