ERX vs. WTIU

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

ERX (Direxion Daily Energy Bull 2X Shares) and WTIU (MicroSectors Energy 3X Leveraged ETN) are both Leveraged Equities funds - ERX tracks the Energy Select Sector Index (300%) while WTIU tracks the Solactive MicroSectors Energy Index - Benchmark TR Gross (--300%). Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, ERX returned 24.19%/yr vs 5.95%/yr for WTIU. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. ERX charges 1.09%/yr vs 0.95%/yr for WTIU.

Performance

ERX vs. WTIU - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ERX achieves a 66.84% return, which is significantly lower than WTIU's 87.83% return.

ERX

• 1D: -0.05%
• 1M: -3.57%
• YTD: 66.84%
• 6M: 58.30%
• 1Y: 98.14%
• 3Y*: 24.19%
• 5Y*: 28.74%
• 10Y*: -9.37%

WTIU

• 1D: -1.95%
• 1M: -8.81%
• YTD: 87.83%
• 6M: 63.25%
• 1Y: 112.38%
• 3Y*: 5.95%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

ERX vs. WTIU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
ERX Direxion Daily Energy Bull 2X Shares	66.84%	2.79%	1.09%	-12.82%
WTIU MicroSectors Energy 3X Leveraged ETN	87.83%	-17.13%	-29.63%	-28.42%

Correlation

The correlation between ERX and WTIU is 0.96 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.96
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.97
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 16, 2023	0.97

The correlation between ERX and WTIU has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.96 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

ERX vs. WTIU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

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

Return for Risk

ERX vs. WTIU — Risk / Return Rank

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

ERX

ERX Risk / Return Rank: 68
ERX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 76
ERX Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
ERX Omega Ratio Rank: 58
ERX Calmar Ratio Rank: 82
ERX Martin Ratio Rank: 64

WTIU

WTIU Risk / Return Rank: 47
WTIU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 49
WTIU Sortino Ratio Rank: 42
WTIU Omega Ratio Rank: 41
WTIU Calmar Ratio Rank: 59
WTIU Martin Ratio Rank: 44

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. WTIU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Direxion Daily Energy Bull 2X Shares (ERX) and MicroSectors Energy 3X Leveraged ETN (WTIU). 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.

	ERX	WTIU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.42	1.68	+0.73
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.79	2.10	+0.69
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.26	+0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.23	2.89	+1.34
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.45	7.08	+4.36
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

ERX vs. WTIU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ERX Sharpe Ratio is 2.42, which is higher than the WTIU Sharpe Ratio of 1.68. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ERX and WTIU, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	ERX	WTIU	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.42	1.68	+0.73
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.56	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	-0.14	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	-0.09	-0.10	+0.01

Drawdowns

ERX vs. WTIU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ERX drawdown since its inception was -99.54%, which is greater than WTIU's maximum drawdown of -75.73%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ERX and WTIU.

Drawdown Indicators

	ERX	WTIU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-99.54%	-75.73%	-23.81%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-23.34%	-39.11%	+15.77%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-42.34%	-75.73%	+33.39%
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	-91.58%	-33.42%	-58.16%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-67.03%	-39.18%	-27.85%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	8.60%	15.92%	-7.32%

Volatility

ERX vs. WTIU - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Direxion Daily Energy Bull 2X Shares (ERX) is 16.49%, while MicroSectors Energy 3X Leveraged ETN (WTIU) has a volatility of 27.11%. This indicates that ERX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than WTIU based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ERX	WTIU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	16.49%	27.11%	-10.62%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	33.31%	54.96%	-21.65%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	41.08%	67.43%	-26.35%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	51.98%	70.58%	-18.60%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	69.16%	70.58%	-1.42%

ERX vs. WTIU - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

ERX vs. WTIU - Dividend Comparison

ERX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.61%, while WTIU has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
ERX Direxion Daily Energy Bull 2X Shares	1.61%	2.54%	2.94%	3.17%	2.23%	2.16%	2.35%	1.56%	3.10%	0.85%
WTIU MicroSectors Energy 3X Leveraged ETN	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ERX and WTIU in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, ERX and WTIU 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, ERX or WTIU?

WTIU has higher volatility (27.11%) compared to ERX (16.49%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ERX dropped -99.54% vs WTIU's -75.73%.

Which ETF is better, ERX or WTIU?

On 3-year performance, ERX leads with 24.19% vs 5.95% for WTIU. On fees, WTIU is cheaper at 0.95% per year. On volatility, ERX has been the lower-risk option at 16.49%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ERX or WTIU?

Over the 3-year period, ERX has performed better with a 24.19% return vs 5.95%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ERX or WTIU?

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

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

ERX has the higher dividend yield at 1.61%, compared with 0.00% for WTIU.

What is the main difference between ERX and WTIU?

ERX tracks Energy Select Sector Index (300%), while WTIU tracks Solactive MicroSectors Energy Index - Benchmark TR Gross (--300%). They also come from different issuers: Direxion and REX. Their fees differ too: 1.09% for ERX and 0.95% for WTIU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ERX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.42 vs 1.68), 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.