ERX vs. BNKU

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

ERX (Direxion Daily Energy Bull 2X Shares) and BNKU (MicroSectors U.S. Big Banks Index 3X Leveraged ETNs) are both Leveraged Equities funds - ERX tracks the Energy Select Sector Index (300%) while BNKU tracks the Solactive MicroSectors U.S. Big Banks Index (-300%). Both are passively managed. Over the past year, ERX returned 70.63% vs 111.56% for BNKU. At a 0.17 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. ERX charges 1.09%/yr vs 0.95%/yr for BNKU.

Performance

ERX vs. BNKU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Direxion Daily Energy Bull 2X Shares (ERX) and MicroSectors U.S. Big Banks Index 3X Leveraged ETNs (BNKU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ERX achieves a 59.95% return, which is significantly higher than BNKU's 14.86% return.

ERX

• 1D: 1.73%
• 1M: -1.29%
• YTD: 59.95%
• 6M: 56.17%
• 1Y: 70.63%
• 3Y*: 20.97%
• 5Y*: 27.98%
• 10Y*: -9.35%

BNKU

• 1D: 5.30%
• 1M: 29.28%
• YTD: 14.86%
• 6M: 15.82%
• 1Y: 111.56%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

ERX vs. BNKU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
ERX Direxion Daily Energy Bull 2X Shares	59.95%	-9.55%
BNKU MicroSectors U.S. Big Banks Index 3X Leveraged ETNs	14.86%	34.97%

Correlation

The correlation between ERX and BNKU is 0.00, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.00
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 20, 2025	0.17

The correlation between ERX and BNKU shifts across timeframes, from 0.00 (1 year) to 0.17 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

ERX vs. BNKU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

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

Return for Risk

ERX vs. BNKU — Risk / Return Rank

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

ERX

ERX Risk / Return Rank: 56
ERX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 59
ERX Sortino Ratio Rank: 51
ERX Omega Ratio Rank: 47
ERX Calmar Ratio Rank: 69
ERX Martin Ratio Rank: 52

BNKU

BNKU Risk / Return Rank: 58
BNKU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 68
BNKU Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
BNKU Omega Ratio Rank: 55
BNKU Calmar Ratio Rank: 62
BNKU Martin Ratio Rank: 49

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.

ERX vs. BNKU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Direxion Daily Energy Bull 2X Shares (ERX) and MicroSectors U.S. Big Banks Index 3X Leveraged ETNs (BNKU). 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.

	ERX	BNKU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.72	1.94	-0.22
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.19	2.30	-0.10
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.30	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.04	2.74	+0.30
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.87	7.20	+0.67

ERX vs. BNKU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ERX Sharpe Ratio is 1.72, which is comparable to the BNKU Sharpe Ratio of 1.94. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ERX and BNKU, 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

ERX vs. BNKU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ERX drawdown since its inception was -99.54%, which is greater than BNKU's maximum drawdown of -61.21%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ERX and BNKU.

Drawdown Indicators

	ERX	BNKU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-99.54%	-61.21%	-38.33%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-23.34%	-40.97%	+17.63%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-42.34%	—	—
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	-91.93%	-2.63%	-89.30%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-67.06%	-18.05%	-49.01%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	9.00%	15.55%	-6.55%

Volatility

ERX vs. BNKU - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Direxion Daily Energy Bull 2X Shares (ERX) is 14.44%, while MicroSectors U.S. Big Banks Index 3X Leveraged ETNs (BNKU) has a volatility of 15.55%. This indicates that ERX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than BNKU based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ERX	BNKU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	14.44%	15.55%	-1.11%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	33.89%	45.72%	-11.83%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	41.24%	57.72%	-16.48%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	52.06%	73.10%	-21.04%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	69.11%	73.10%	-3.99%

ERX vs. BNKU - Expense Ratio Comparison

ERX has a 1.09% expense ratio, which is higher than BNKU's 0.95% expense ratio.

Dividends

ERX vs. BNKU - Dividend Comparison

ERX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.68%, while BNKU has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
BNKU MicroSectors U.S. Big Banks Index 3X Leveraged ETNs	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
ERX Direxion Daily Energy Bull 2X Shares	1.68%	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 ERX and BNKU in my portfolio?

ERX and BNKU have a correlation of 0.00, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, ERX or BNKU?

BNKU has higher volatility (15.55%) compared to ERX (14.44%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ERX dropped -99.54% vs BNKU's -61.21%.

Which ETF is better, ERX or BNKU?

On 1-year performance, BNKU leads with 111.56% vs 70.63% for ERX. On fees, BNKU is cheaper at 0.95% per year. On volatility, ERX has been the lower-risk option at 14.44%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ERX or BNKU?

Over the 1-year period, BNKU has performed better with a 111.56% return vs 70.63%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ERX or BNKU?

BNKU is cheaper with a 0.95% expense ratio, compared with 1.09% for ERX.

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

ERX has the higher dividend yield at 1.68%, compared with 0.00% for BNKU.

What is the main difference between ERX and BNKU?

ERX tracks Energy Select Sector Index (300%), while BNKU tracks Solactive MicroSectors U.S. Big Banks Index (-300%). They also come from different issuers: Direxion and Bank of Montreal. Their fees differ too: 1.09% for ERX and 0.95% for BNKU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BNKU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.94 vs 1.72), 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.