HDLB vs. SOXL
HDLB (ETRACS Monthly Pay 2xLeveraged US High Dividend Low Volatility ETN Series B) and SOXL (Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bull 3X ETF) are both Leveraged Equities funds - HDLB tracks the Solactive US High Dividend Low Volatility (USD)(TR) (200%) while SOXL tracks the ICE Semiconductor Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, HDLB returned 12.53%/yr vs 42.16%/yr for SOXL. At a 0.24 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. HDLB charges 1.65%/yr vs 0.75%/yr for SOXL.
Performance
HDLB vs. SOXL - Performance Comparison
Loading charts...
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, HDLB achieves a 12.54% return, which is significantly lower than SOXL's 450.61% return.
HDLB
- 1D
- 4.54%
- 1M
- -2.98%
- YTD
- 12.54%
- 6M
- 14.64%
- 1Y
- 18.01%
- 3Y*
- 28.22%
- 5Y*
- 12.53%
- 10Y*
- —
SOXL
- 1D
- -23.06%
- 1M
- 21.44%
- YTD
- 450.61%
- 6M
- 429.57%
- 1Y
- 976.09%
- 3Y*
- 120.84%
- 5Y*
- 42.16%
- 10Y*
- 64.56%
HDLB vs. SOXL - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
HDLB ETRACS Monthly Pay 2xLeveraged US High Dividend Low Volatility ETN Series B | 12.54% | 27.26% | 28.21% | -4.12% | -11.46% | 62.67% | -50.94% | 8.33% |
SOXL Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bull 3X ETF | 450.61% | 54.91% | -12.31% | 226.98% | -85.66% | 118.84% | 70.04% | 48.14% |
Correlation
The correlation between HDLB and SOXL is -0.07, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | -0.07 |
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period | 0.03 |
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.18 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 25, 2019 | 0.24 |
The correlation between HDLB and SOXL shifts across timeframes, from -0.07 (1 year) to 0.24 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.
Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs
Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.
Return for Risk
HDLB vs. SOXL — Risk / Return Rank
HDLB
SOXL
HDLB vs. SOXL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ETRACS Monthly Pay 2xLeveraged US High Dividend Low Volatility ETN Series B (HDLB) and Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bull 3X ETF (SOXL). 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.
| HDLB | SOXL | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | -7.78 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | -2.93 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.13 | 1.58 | -0.45 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 1.12 | 22.69 | -21.57 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 2.52 | 72.83 | -70.31 |
Loading charts...
Drawdowns
HDLB vs. SOXL - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum HDLB drawdown since its inception was -78.70%, smaller than the maximum SOXL drawdown of -90.46%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for HDLB and SOXL.
Loading charts...
Drawdown Indicators
| HDLB | SOXL | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -78.70% | -90.46% | +11.76% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -16.17% | -43.47% | +27.30% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -22.46% | -87.88% | +65.42% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -43.81% | -90.46% | +46.65% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | — | -90.46% | — |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -11.92% | -23.06% | +11.14% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -27.33% | -34.95% | +7.62% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 7.15% | 13.52% | -6.37% |
Volatility
HDLB vs. SOXL - Volatility Comparison
The current volatility for ETRACS Monthly Pay 2xLeveraged US High Dividend Low Volatility ETN Series B (HDLB) is 9.49%, while Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bull 3X ETF (SOXL) has a volatility of 68.39%. This indicates that HDLB experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SOXL based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
Loading charts...
Volatility by Period
| HDLB | SOXL | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 9.49% | 68.39% | -58.90% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 19.68% | 99.84% | -80.16% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 27.28% | 116.79% | -89.51% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 30.69% | 110.35% | -79.66% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 43.52% | 100.62% | -57.10% |
HDLB vs. SOXL - Expense Ratio Comparison
HDLB has a 1.65% expense ratio, which is higher than SOXL's 0.75% expense ratio.
Dividends
HDLB vs. SOXL - Dividend Comparison
HDLB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 11.27%, more than SOXL's 0.03% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
HDLB ETRACS Monthly Pay 2xLeveraged US High Dividend Low Volatility ETN Series B | 11.27% | 12.20% | 10.09% | 12.36% | 10.86% | 8.07% | 16.23% | 0.97% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
SOXL Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bull 3X ETF | 0.03% | 0.34% | 1.18% | 0.51% | 1.07% | 0.04% | 0.05% | 0.38% | 1.30% | 0.09% | 4.84% |
Frequently Asked Questions
HDLB and SOXL have a correlation of -0.07, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
SOXL has higher volatility (68.39%) compared to HDLB (9.49%). In terms of maximum drawdown, HDLB dropped -78.70% vs SOXL's -90.46%.
On 5-year performance, SOXL leads with 42.16% vs 12.53% for HDLB. On fees, SOXL is cheaper at 0.75% per year. On volatility, HDLB has been the lower-risk option at 9.49%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
Over the 5-year period, SOXL has performed better with a 42.16% return vs 12.53%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.
SOXL is cheaper with a 0.75% expense ratio, compared with 1.65% for HDLB.
HDLB has the higher dividend yield at 11.27%, compared with 0.03% for SOXL.
HDLB tracks Solactive US High Dividend Low Volatility (USD)(TR) (200%), while SOXL tracks ICE Semiconductor Index. They also come from different issuers: UBS and Direxion. Their fees differ too: 1.65% for HDLB and 0.75% for SOXL.
SOXL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (8.45 vs 0.66), 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.
Find the right allocation for HDLB and SOXL
Add both to a portfolio and optimize allocations for your target — whether that's maximizing returns, minimizing drawdowns, or balancing risk across holdings.
Open Portfolio Optimizer