ERX vs. XLE

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

ERX (Direxion Daily Energy Bull 2X Shares) and XLE (State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - ERX is a Leveraged Equities fund tracking the Energy Select Sector Index (300%), while XLE is a Energy Equities fund tracking the Energy Select Sector Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, ERX returned -10.18%/yr vs 9.37%/yr for XLE. With a 0.99 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. ERX charges 1.09%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for XLE.

Performance

ERX vs. XLE - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Direxion Daily Energy Bull 2X Shares (ERX) and State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ERX achieves a 44.06% return, which is significantly higher than XLE's 23.49% return. Over the past 10 years, ERX has underperformed XLE with an annualized return of -10.18%, while XLE has yielded a comparatively higher 9.37% annualized return.

ERX

• 1D: 1.09%
• 1M: -16.23%
• YTD: 44.06%
• 6M: 45.10%
• 1Y: 53.56%
• 3Y*: 19.85%
• 5Y*: 25.26%
• 10Y*: -10.18%

XLE

• 1D: 0.74%
• 1M: -7.80%
• YTD: 23.49%
• 6M: 24.07%
• 1Y: 30.55%
• 3Y*: 15.73%
• 5Y*: 18.87%
• 10Y*: 9.37%

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

ERX vs. XLE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
ERX Direxion Daily Energy Bull 2X Shares	44.06%	2.79%	1.09%	-12.26%	130.58%	111.91%	-91.60%	17.13%	-55.94%	-11.60%
XLE State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF	23.49%	7.88%	5.56%	-0.63%	64.32%	53.28%	-32.67%	11.74%	-18.22%	-0.89%

Correlation

The correlation between ERX and XLE is 1.00 - 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	1.00
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	1.00
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	1.00
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.99
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 19, 2008	0.99

The correlation between ERX and XLE has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.99 to 1.00 - a consistent structural relationship.

ERX vs. XLE - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	ERX	XLE
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. XLE — Risk / Return Rank

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

ERX

ERX Risk / Return Rank: 37
ERX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 38
ERX Sortino Ratio Rank: 36
ERX Omega Ratio Rank: 34
ERX Calmar Ratio Rank: 39
ERX Martin Ratio Rank: 37

XLE

XLE Risk / Return Rank: 42
XLE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 44
XLE Sortino Ratio Rank: 41
XLE Omega Ratio Rank: 39
XLE Calmar Ratio Rank: 45
XLE Martin Ratio Rank: 42

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. XLE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Direxion Daily Energy Bull 2X Shares (ERX) and State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE). 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	XLE	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.29	1.48	-0.19
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.78	2.00	-0.22
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.22	1.25	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.89	2.18	-0.30
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.50	6.53	-1.03

ERX vs. XLE - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ERX Sharpe Ratio is 1.29, which is comparable to the XLE Sharpe Ratio of 1.48. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ERX and XLE, 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. XLE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ERX drawdown since its inception was -99.54%, which is greater than XLE's maximum drawdown of -71.26%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ERX and XLE.

Drawdown Indicators

	ERX	XLE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-99.54%	-71.26%	-28.28%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-28.49%	-14.05%	-14.44%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-42.34%	-20.14%	-22.20%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-46.90%	-26.04%	-20.86%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-98.59%	-66.81%	-31.78%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-92.73%	-12.32%	-80.41%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-67.09%	-17.96%	-49.13%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	9.77%	4.69%	+5.08%

Volatility

ERX vs. XLE - Volatility Comparison

Direxion Daily Energy Bull 2X Shares (ERX) has a higher volatility of 14.48% compared to State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE) at 7.12%. This indicates that ERX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than XLE based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ERX	XLE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	14.48%	7.12%	+7.36%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	34.00%	16.82%	+17.18%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	41.99%	20.93%	+21.06%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	51.92%	25.98%	+25.94%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	69.08%	29.60%	+39.48%

ERX vs. XLE - Expense Ratio Comparison

ERX has a 1.09% expense ratio, which is higher than XLE's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

ERX vs. XLE - Dividend Comparison

ERX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.86%, less than XLE's 2.79% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ERX Direxion Daily Energy Bull 2X Shares	1.86%	2.54%	2.94%	3.17%	2.23%	2.16%	2.35%	1.56%	3.10%	0.85%	0.00%	0.00%
XLE State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF	2.79%	3.28%	3.36%	3.55%	3.68%	4.21%	5.62%	6.72%	3.54%	3.03%	2.26%	3.39%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ERX and XLE in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 1.00, ERX and XLE 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 XLE?

ERX has higher volatility (14.48%) compared to XLE (7.12%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ERX dropped -99.54% vs XLE's -71.26%.

Which ETF is better, ERX or XLE?

On 10-year performance, XLE leads with 9.37% vs -10.18% for ERX. On fees, XLE is cheaper at 0.08% per year. On volatility, XLE has been the lower-risk option at 7.12%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ERX or XLE?

Over the 10-year period, XLE has performed better with a 9.37% return vs -10.18%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ERX or XLE?

XLE is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 1.09% for ERX.

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

XLE has the higher dividend yield at 2.79%, compared with 1.86% for ERX.

What is the main difference between ERX and XLE?

ERX is categorized as Leveraged Equities, while XLE is Energy Equities. ERX tracks Energy Select Sector Index (300%), while XLE tracks Energy Select Sector Index. They also come from different issuers: Direxion and State Street. Their fees differ too: 1.09% for ERX and 0.08% for XLE.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XLE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.48 vs 1.29), 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.