FLYU vs. DFEN

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

FLYU (MicroSectors Travel 3X Leveraged ETNs) and DFEN (Direxion Daily Aerospace & Defense Bull 3X Shares) are both Leveraged Equities funds - FLYU tracks the MerQube MicroSectors U.S. Travel Index while DFEN tracks the Dow Jones U.S. Select Aerospace & Defense Index (300% Daily). Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, FLYU returned 9.36%/yr vs 68.88%/yr for DFEN. A 0.50 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FLYU charges 0.95%/yr vs 0.96%/yr for DFEN.

Performance

FLYU vs. DFEN - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in MicroSectors Travel 3X Leveraged ETNs (FLYU) and Direxion Daily Aerospace & Defense Bull 3X Shares (DFEN). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FLYU achieves a -11.61% return, which is significantly lower than DFEN's 15.64% return.

FLYU

• 1D: 0.24%
• 1M: 23.11%
• YTD: -11.61%
• 6M: -15.72%
• 1Y: 12.48%
• 3Y*: 9.36%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

DFEN

• 1D: 0.49%
• 1M: 11.93%
• YTD: 15.64%
• 6M: 7.44%
• 1Y: 71.10%
• 3Y*: 68.88%
• 5Y*: 30.03%
• 10Y*: —

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

FLYU vs. DFEN - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
FLYU MicroSectors Travel 3X Leveraged ETNs	-11.61%	-2.29%	33.00%	111.16%	-19.09%
DFEN Direxion Daily Aerospace & Defense Bull 3X Shares	15.64%	156.62%	27.07%	24.70%	39.89%

Correlation

The correlation between FLYU and DFEN is 0.44, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.44
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.45
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 22, 2022	0.50

The correlation between FLYU and DFEN has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.44 to 0.50 - a consistent structural relationship.

FLYU vs. DFEN - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FLYU	DFEN
Consumer Cyclical	52.6%	-
Industrials	17.7%	18.7%
Technology	16.4%	0.0%
Communication Services	13.2%	-
Real Estate	0.1%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

FLYU vs. DFEN — Risk / Return Rank

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

FLYU

FLYU Risk / Return Rank: 13
FLYU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 11
FLYU Sortino Ratio Rank: 16
FLYU Omega Ratio Rank: 15
FLYU Calmar Ratio Rank: 11
FLYU Martin Ratio Rank: 11

DFEN

DFEN Risk / Return Rank: 32
DFEN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 31
DFEN Sortino Ratio Rank: 35
DFEN Omega Ratio Rank: 31
DFEN Calmar Ratio Rank: 36
DFEN Martin Ratio Rank: 29

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.

FLYU vs. DFEN - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for MicroSectors Travel 3X Leveraged ETNs (FLYU) and Direxion Daily Aerospace & Defense Bull 3X Shares (DFEN). 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.

	FLYU	DFEN	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.17	1.08	-0.91
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.81	1.76	-0.96
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.09	1.20	-0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.24	1.71	-1.47
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.50	3.90	-3.40

FLYU vs. DFEN - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FLYU Sharpe Ratio is 0.17, which is lower than the DFEN Sharpe Ratio of 1.08. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FLYU and DFEN, 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

FLYU vs. DFEN - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FLYU drawdown since its inception was -69.00%, smaller than the maximum DFEN drawdown of -91.36%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FLYU and DFEN.

Drawdown Indicators

	FLYU	DFEN	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-69.00%	-91.36%	+22.36%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-52.33%	-41.75%	-10.58%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-69.00%	-43.13%	-25.87%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-55.30%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-29.88%	-24.22%	-5.66%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-26.54%	-45.13%	+18.59%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	25.27%	18.29%	+6.98%

Volatility

FLYU vs. DFEN - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for MicroSectors Travel 3X Leveraged ETNs (FLYU) is 23.63%, while Direxion Daily Aerospace & Defense Bull 3X Shares (DFEN) has a volatility of 25.03%. This indicates that FLYU experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than DFEN based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FLYU	DFEN	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	23.63%	25.03%	-1.40%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	60.01%	55.87%	+4.14%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	74.93%	66.30%	+8.63%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	83.22%	60.78%	+22.44%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	83.22%	71.63%	+11.59%

FLYU vs. DFEN - Expense Ratio Comparison

FLYU has a 0.95% expense ratio, which is lower than DFEN's 0.96% expense ratio.

Dividends

FLYU vs. DFEN - Dividend Comparison

FLYU has not paid dividends to shareholders, while DFEN's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 7.72%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DFEN Direxion Daily Aerospace & Defense Bull 3X Shares	7.72%	8.89%	14.12%	1.13%	0.46%	1.89%	0.48%	0.50%	1.07%	1.50%
FLYU MicroSectors Travel 3X Leveraged ETNs	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 FLYU and DFEN in my portfolio?

FLYU and DFEN have a correlation of 0.44, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FLYU or DFEN?

DFEN has higher volatility (25.03%) compared to FLYU (23.63%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FLYU dropped -69.00% vs DFEN's -91.36%.

Which ETF is better, FLYU or DFEN?

On 3-year performance, DFEN leads with 68.88% vs 9.36% for FLYU. On fees, FLYU is cheaper at 0.95% per year. On volatility, FLYU has been the lower-risk option at 23.63%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FLYU or DFEN?

Over the 3-year period, DFEN has performed better with a 68.88% return vs 9.36%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FLYU or DFEN?

FLYU is cheaper with a 0.95% expense ratio, compared with 0.96% for DFEN.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FLYU or DFEN?

DFEN has the higher dividend yield at 7.72%, compared with 0.00% for FLYU.

What is the main difference between FLYU and DFEN?

FLYU tracks MerQube MicroSectors U.S. Travel Index, while DFEN tracks Dow Jones U.S. Select Aerospace & Defense Index (300% Daily). They also come from different issuers: REX and Direxion. Their fees differ too: 0.95% for FLYU and 0.96% for DFEN.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFEN currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.08 vs 0.17), 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.