ESGU vs. NFXS

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

ESGU (iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA ETF) and NFXS (Direxion Daily NFLX Bear 1X Shares) are both exchange-traded funds - ESGU is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the MSCI USA Extended ESG Focus Index, while NFXS is a Inverse Equities fund actively managed by Direxion. ESGU is passively managed, while NFXS is actively managed. Over the past year, ESGU returned 23.73% vs 64.26% for NFXS. At a correlation of -0.33, they often move in opposite directions. ESGU charges 0.15%/yr vs 1.03%/yr for NFXS.

Performance

ESGU vs. NFXS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA ETF (ESGU) and Direxion Daily NFLX Bear 1X Shares (NFXS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ESGU achieves a 8.38% return, which is significantly lower than NFXS's 24.21% return.

ESGU

• 1D: -1.34%
• 1M: -1.03%
• YTD: 8.38%
• 6M: 7.35%
• 1Y: 23.73%
• 3Y*: 20.47%
• 5Y*: 11.91%
• 10Y*: —

NFXS

• 1D: 0.09%
• 1M: 21.28%
• YTD: 24.21%
• 6M: 24.00%
• 1Y: 64.26%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

ESGU vs. NFXS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
ESGU iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA ETF	8.38%	16.90%	3.39%
NFXS Direxion Daily NFLX Bear 1X Shares	24.21%	-8.56%	-21.49%

Correlation

The correlation between ESGU and NFXS is -0.19, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.19
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 3, 2024	-0.33

The correlation between ESGU and NFXS shifts across timeframes, from -0.33 (all time) to -0.19 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

ESGU vs. NFXS — Risk / Return Rank

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

ESGU

ESGU Risk / Return Rank: 58
ESGU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 58
ESGU Sortino Ratio Rank: 55
ESGU Omega Ratio Rank: 56
ESGU Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
ESGU Martin Ratio Rank: 65

NFXS

NFXS Risk / Return Rank: 55
NFXS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 65
NFXS Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
NFXS Omega Ratio Rank: 68
NFXS Calmar Ratio Rank: 45
NFXS Martin Ratio Rank: 39

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.

ESGU vs. NFXS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA ETF (ESGU) and Direxion Daily NFLX Bear 1X Shares (NFXS). 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.

	ESGU	NFXS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.86	1.91	-0.05
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.52	2.55	-0.03
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	1.36	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.58	2.06	+0.51
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.27	5.64	+5.64

ESGU vs. NFXS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ESGU Sharpe Ratio is 1.86, which is comparable to the NFXS Sharpe Ratio of 1.91. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ESGU and NFXS, 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

ESGU vs. NFXS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ESGU drawdown since its inception was -33.87%, smaller than the maximum NFXS drawdown of -50.37%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ESGU and NFXS.

Drawdown Indicators

	ESGU	NFXS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-33.87%	-50.37%	+16.50%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.26%	-31.31%	+22.05%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.32%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-26.15%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.19%	-12.88%	+9.69%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.88%	-31.93%	+27.05%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.11%	11.45%	-9.34%

Volatility

ESGU vs. NFXS - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA ETF (ESGU) is 4.97%, while Direxion Daily NFLX Bear 1X Shares (NFXS) has a volatility of 7.74%. This indicates that ESGU experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than NFXS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ESGU	NFXS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.97%	7.74%	-2.77%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.11%	26.22%	-16.11%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.81%	33.81%	-21.00%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.42%	34.65%	-17.23%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.60%	34.65%	-16.05%

ESGU vs. NFXS - Expense Ratio Comparison

ESGU has a 0.15% expense ratio, which is lower than NFXS's 1.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

ESGU vs. NFXS - Dividend Comparison

ESGU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.95%, less than NFXS's 3.23% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
ESGU iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA ETF	0.95%	0.99%	1.18%	1.43%	1.58%	1.06%	1.27%	1.32%	1.73%	1.82%
NFXS Direxion Daily NFLX Bear 1X Shares	3.23%	3.53%	0.87%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ESGU and NFXS in my portfolio?

ESGU and NFXS have a correlation of -0.19, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, ESGU or NFXS?

NFXS has higher volatility (7.74%) compared to ESGU (4.97%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ESGU dropped -33.87% vs NFXS's -50.37%.

Which ETF is better, ESGU or NFXS?

On 1-year performance, NFXS leads with 64.26% vs 23.73% for ESGU. On fees, ESGU is cheaper at 0.15% per year. On volatility, ESGU has been the lower-risk option at 4.97%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ESGU or NFXS?

Over the 1-year period, NFXS has performed better with a 64.26% return vs 23.73%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ESGU or NFXS?

ESGU is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 1.03% for NFXS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, ESGU or NFXS?

NFXS has the higher dividend yield at 3.23%, compared with 0.95% for ESGU.

What is the main difference between ESGU and NFXS?

ESGU is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while NFXS is Inverse Equities. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Direxion. Their fees differ too: 0.15% for ESGU and 1.03% for NFXS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

NFXS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.91 vs 1.86), 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.