DWSH vs. SPDN

Last updated Jul 15, 2026

DWSH (AdvisorShares Dorsey Wright Short ETF) and SPDN (Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bear 1x Shares) are both Inverse Equities funds. DWSH is actively managed, while SPDN is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, DWSH returned -2.43%/yr vs -8.18%/yr for SPDN. A 0.67 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DWSH charges 3.67%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for SPDN.

Performance

DWSH vs. SPDN - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in AdvisorShares Dorsey Wright Short ETF (DWSH) and Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bear 1x Shares (SPDN). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DWSH achieves a -4.04% return, which is significantly higher than SPDN's -7.28% return.

DWSH

• 1D: 1.79%
• 1M: -2.21%
• 6M: 0.73%
• YTD: -4.04%
• 1Y: -6.37%
• 3Y*: -2.81%
• 5Y*: -2.43%
• 10Y*: —

SPDN

• 1D: -0.46%
• 1M: -1.25%
• 6M: -5.88%
• YTD: -7.28%
• 1Y: -12.83%
• 3Y*: -11.38%
• 5Y*: -8.18%
• 10Y*: -12.26%

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

DWSH vs. SPDN - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
DWSH AdvisorShares Dorsey Wright Short ETF	-4.04%	-2.57%	5.98%	-22.04%	17.45%	-25.74%	-49.95%	-25.27%	22.37%
SPDN Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bear 1x Shares	-7.28%	-11.09%	-12.88%	-15.04%	18.63%	-23.72%	-24.56%	-21.94%	10.81%

Correlation

The correlation between DWSH and SPDN is 0.40, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.40
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.52
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.66
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 11, 2018	0.67

Over the past year, the correlation between DWSH and SPDN has dropped to 0.40 - well below their long-term average of 0.67, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

DWSH vs. SPDN — Risk / Return Rank

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

DWSH

DWSH Risk / Return Rank: 6
DWSH Sharpe Ratio Rank: 7
DWSH Sortino Ratio Rank: 6
DWSH Omega Ratio Rank: 6
DWSH Calmar Ratio Rank: 6
DWSH Martin Ratio Rank: 6

SPDN

SPDN Risk / Return Rank: 2
SPDN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 2
SPDN Sortino Ratio Rank: 2
SPDN Omega Ratio Rank: 2
SPDN Calmar Ratio Rank: 3
SPDN Martin Ratio Rank: 1

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.

DWSH vs. SPDN - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for AdvisorShares Dorsey Wright Short ETF (DWSH) and Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bear 1x Shares (SPDN). 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.

	DWSH	SPDN	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.29	-1.01	+0.73
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.25	-1.43	+1.18
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.97	0.84	+0.13
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.34	-0.81	+0.47
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.75	-1.54	+0.79

DWSH vs. SPDN - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DWSH Sharpe Ratio is -0.29, which is higher than the SPDN Sharpe Ratio of -1.01. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DWSH and SPDN, 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

DWSH vs. SPDN - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DWSH drawdown since its inception was -83.55%, which is greater than SPDN's maximum drawdown of -75.31%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DWSH and SPDN.

Drawdown Indicators

	DWSH	SPDN	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-83.55%	-75.31%	-8.24%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-18.88%	-15.93%	-2.95%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-32.61%	-38.24%	+5.63%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-36.09%	-43.85%	+7.76%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-73.97%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-82.16%	-75.03%	-7.13%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-63.82%	-48.80%	-15.02%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	8.50%	8.34%	+0.16%

Volatility

DWSH vs. SPDN - Volatility Comparison

AdvisorShares Dorsey Wright Short ETF (DWSH) has a higher volatility of 11.00% compared to Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bear 1x Shares (SPDN) at 3.87%. This indicates that DWSH's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SPDN based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DWSH	SPDN	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	11.00%	3.87%	+7.13%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	16.82%	10.06%	+6.76%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	22.31%	12.71%	+9.60%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	26.36%	16.97%	+9.39%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	31.24%	18.01%	+13.23%

DWSH vs. SPDN - Expense Ratio Comparison

DWSH has a 3.67% expense ratio, which is higher than SPDN's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

DWSH vs. SPDN - Dividend Comparison

DWSH's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.58%, more than SPDN's 3.35% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DWSH AdvisorShares Dorsey Wright Short ETF	6.58%	6.31%	6.17%	10.28%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.14%	0.12%	0.00%
SPDN Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bear 1x Shares	3.35%	4.06%	5.32%	5.84%	0.96%	0.00%	0.10%	1.89%	1.24%	0.42%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DWSH and SPDN in my portfolio?

DWSH and SPDN have a correlation of 0.40, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DWSH or SPDN?

DWSH has higher volatility (11.00%) compared to SPDN (3.87%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DWSH dropped -83.55% vs SPDN's -75.31%.

Which ETF is better, DWSH or SPDN?

On 5-year performance, DWSH leads with -2.43% vs -8.18% for SPDN. On fees, SPDN is cheaper at 0.50% per year. On volatility, SPDN has been the lower-risk option at 3.87%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DWSH or SPDN?

Over the 5-year period, DWSH has performed better with a -2.43% return vs -8.18%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DWSH or SPDN?

SPDN is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 3.67% for DWSH.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DWSH or SPDN?

DWSH has the higher dividend yield at 6.58%, compared with 3.35% for SPDN.

What is the main difference between DWSH and SPDN?

They also come from different issuers: AdvisorShares and Direxion. Their fees differ too: 3.67% for DWSH and 0.50% for SPDN.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DWSH currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (-0.29 vs -1.01), 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.