EDC vs. RETL

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

EDC (Direxion Daily Emerging Markets Bull 3X Shares) and RETL (Direxion Daily Retail Bull 3X Shares) are both Leveraged Equities funds from Direxion - EDC tracks the MSCI Emerging Markets Index (300%) while RETL tracks the Russell 1000 Retail Index (300%). Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, EDC returned 8.38%/yr vs -3.60%/yr for RETL. At a 0.49 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. EDC charges 1.33%/yr vs 0.99%/yr for RETL.

Performance

EDC vs. RETL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Direxion Daily Emerging Markets Bull 3X Shares (EDC) 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, EDC achieves a 62.45% return, which is significantly higher than RETL's -0.70% return. Over the past 10 years, EDC has outperformed RETL with an annualized return of 8.38%, while RETL has yielded a comparatively lower -3.60% annualized return.

EDC

• 1D: 1.22%
• 1M: -1.45%
• YTD: 62.45%
• 6M: 72.90%
• 1Y: 137.10%
• 3Y*: 43.12%
• 5Y*: -2.02%
• 10Y*: 8.38%

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)

EDC vs. RETL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
EDC Direxion Daily Emerging Markets Bull 3X Shares	62.45%	94.58%	-2.00%	7.48%	-60.25%	-20.81%	6.49%	43.92%	-49.87%	138.61%
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 EDC and RETL is 0.48, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.48
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.47
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.51
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.49
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 14, 2010	0.49

The correlation between EDC and RETL has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.47 to 0.51 - a consistent structural relationship.

EDC vs. RETL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	EDC	RETL
Technology	32.7%	0.3%
Financial Services	20.8%	-
Consumer Cyclical	10.3%	14.0%
Communication Services	7.8%	0.3%
Industrials	7.3%	-
Basic Materials	7.0%	-
Energy	4.4%	0.3%
Consumer Defensive	3.2%	3.9%
Healthcare	3.2%	0.3%
Utilities	2.2%	-
Real Estate	1.1%	-

Return for Risk

EDC vs. RETL — Risk / Return Rank

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

EDC

EDC Risk / Return Rank: 71
EDC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 76
EDC Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
EDC Omega Ratio Rank: 68
EDC Calmar Ratio Rank: 79
EDC Martin Ratio Rank: 74

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.

EDC vs. RETL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Direxion Daily Emerging Markets Bull 3X Shares (EDC) 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.

	EDC	RETL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.13	0.33	+1.80
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.47	0.92	+1.55
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.10	+0.25
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.63	0.53	+3.11
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.25	1.08	+11.17

EDC vs. RETL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EDC Sharpe Ratio is 2.13, which is higher than the RETL Sharpe Ratio of 0.33. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EDC 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

EDC vs. RETL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EDC drawdown since its inception was -92.54%, roughly equal to the maximum RETL drawdown of -92.00%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EDC and RETL.

Drawdown Indicators

	EDC	RETL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-92.54%	-92.00%	-0.54%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-37.98%	-38.08%	+0.10%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-49.48%	-62.72%	+13.24%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-80.70%	-92.00%	+11.30%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-87.01%	-92.00%	+4.99%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-65.52%	-82.95%	+17.43%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-65.35%	-37.62%	-27.73%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	11.25%	18.57%	-7.32%

Volatility

EDC vs. RETL - Volatility Comparison

Direxion Daily Emerging Markets Bull 3X Shares (EDC) has a higher volatility of 33.39% compared to Direxion Daily Retail Bull 3X Shares (RETL) at 16.60%. This indicates that EDC's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than RETL based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	EDC	RETL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	33.39%	16.60%	+16.79%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	58.40%	40.99%	+17.41%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	64.72%	60.71%	+4.01%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	57.74%	79.51%	-21.77%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	61.12%	79.80%	-18.68%

EDC vs. RETL - Expense Ratio Comparison

EDC has a 1.33% expense ratio, which is higher than RETL's 0.99% expense ratio.

Dividends

EDC vs. RETL - Dividend Comparison

EDC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.05%, more than RETL's 0.51% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
EDC Direxion Daily Emerging Markets Bull 3X Shares	1.05%	1.79%	3.94%	3.54%	0.00%	0.18%	0.44%	0.97%	0.78%	0.25%	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 EDC and RETL in my portfolio?

EDC and RETL have a correlation of 0.48, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, EDC or RETL?

EDC has higher volatility (33.39%) compared to RETL (16.60%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EDC dropped -92.54% vs RETL's -92.00%.

Which ETF is better, EDC or RETL?

On 10-year performance, EDC leads with 8.38% vs -3.60% for RETL. On fees, RETL is cheaper at 0.99% per year. On volatility, RETL has been the lower-risk option at 16.60%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, EDC or RETL?

Over the 10-year period, EDC has performed better with a 8.38% return vs -3.60%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EDC or RETL?

RETL is cheaper with a 0.99% expense ratio, compared with 1.33% for EDC.

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

EDC has the higher dividend yield at 1.05%, compared with 0.51% for RETL.

What is the main difference between EDC and RETL?

EDC tracks MSCI Emerging Markets Index (300%), while RETL tracks Russell 1000 Retail Index (300%). Their fees differ too: 1.33% for EDC and 0.99% for RETL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EDC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.13 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.