FAI vs. TSXU

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

FAI (First Trust Bloomberg Artificial Intelligence ETF) and TSXU (Direxion Daily Semiconductors Top 5 Bull 2X Shares) are both exchange-traded funds - FAI is a Technology Equities fund tracking the Bloomberg Artificial Intelligence Index, while TSXU is a Leveraged Equities fund tracking the Solactive Semiconductor Top 5 Index (2x). Both are passively managed. Their correlation of 0.85 suggests significant overlap in exposure. FAI charges 0.65%/yr vs 1.05%/yr for TSXU.

Performance

FAI vs. TSXU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Bloomberg Artificial Intelligence ETF (FAI) and Direxion Daily Semiconductors Top 5 Bull 2X Shares (TSXU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FAI achieves a 36.77% return, which is significantly lower than TSXU's 126.91% return.

FAI

• 1D: -1.66%
• 1M: 17.27%
• YTD: 36.77%
• 6M: 35.51%
• 1Y: 72.81%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

TSXU

• 1D: -6.20%
• 1M: 47.27%
• YTD: 126.91%
• 6M: 118.15%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

FAI vs. TSXU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
FAI First Trust Bloomberg Artificial Intelligence ETF	36.77%	3.06%
TSXU Direxion Daily Semiconductors Top 5 Bull 2X Shares	126.91%	13.59%

Correlation

The correlation between FAI and TSXU is 0.85, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 2, 2025	0.85

Return for Risk

FAI vs. TSXU — Risk / Return Rank

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

FAI

FAI Risk / Return Rank: 80
FAI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 90
FAI Sortino Ratio Rank: 81
FAI Omega Ratio Rank: 80
FAI Calmar Ratio Rank: 78
FAI Martin Ratio Rank: 69

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.

FAI vs. TSXU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Bloomberg Artificial Intelligence ETF (FAI) and Direxion Daily Semiconductors Top 5 Bull 2X Shares (TSXU). 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.

	FAI	TSXU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.99	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.58	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.47	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.88	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.65	—	—
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	FAI	TSXU	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.99	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.70	3.95	-2.25

Drawdowns

FAI vs. TSXU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FAI drawdown since its inception was -27.82%, smaller than the maximum TSXU drawdown of -35.62%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FAI and TSXU.

Drawdown Indicators

	FAI	TSXU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-27.82%	-35.62%	+7.80%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-18.84%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.85%	-7.07%	+4.22%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.30%	-10.54%	+5.24%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.77%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	FAI	TSXU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.57%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	19.40%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	24.47%	78.90%	-54.43%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	29.89%	78.90%	-49.01%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	29.89%	78.90%	-49.01%

FAI vs. TSXU - Expense Ratio Comparison

FAI has a 0.65% expense ratio, which is lower than TSXU's 1.05% expense ratio.

Dividends

FAI vs. TSXU - Dividend Comparison

FAI has not paid dividends to shareholders, while TSXU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.28%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
FAI First Trust Bloomberg Artificial Intelligence ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.04%
TSXU Direxion Daily Semiconductors Top 5 Bull 2X Shares	1.28%	2.54%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FAI and TSXU in my portfolio?

FAI and TSXU have a correlation of 0.85, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, FAI or TSXU?

On fees, FAI is cheaper at 0.65% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, FAI or TSXU?

FAI is cheaper with a 0.65% expense ratio, compared with 1.05% for TSXU.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FAI or TSXU?

TSXU has the higher dividend yield at 1.28%, compared with 0.00% for FAI.

What is the main difference between FAI and TSXU?

FAI is categorized as Technology Equities, while TSXU is Leveraged Equities. FAI tracks Bloomberg Artificial Intelligence Index, while TSXU tracks Solactive Semiconductor Top 5 Index (2x). They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Direxion. Their fees differ too: 0.65% for FAI and 1.05% for TSXU.