IQSU vs. NFXS

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

IQSU (IQ Candriam ESG U.S. Equity ETF) and NFXS (Direxion Daily NFLX Bear 1X Shares) are both exchange-traded funds - IQSU is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the IQ Candriam ESG US Equity Index, while NFXS is a Inverse Equities fund actively managed by Direxion. IQSU is passively managed, while NFXS is actively managed. Over the past year, IQSU returned 26.97% vs 64.26% for NFXS. At a correlation of -0.31, they often move in opposite directions. IQSU charges 0.09%/yr vs 1.03%/yr for NFXS.

Performance

IQSU vs. NFXS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in IQ Candriam ESG U.S. Equity ETF (IQSU) 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, IQSU achieves a 11.76% return, which is significantly lower than NFXS's 24.21% return.

IQSU

• 1D: -1.70%
• 1M: 0.35%
• YTD: 11.76%
• 6M: 10.69%
• 1Y: 26.97%
• 3Y*: 18.48%
• 5Y*: 12.19%
• 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)

IQSU vs. NFXS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
IQSU IQ Candriam ESG U.S. Equity ETF	11.76%	14.44%	2.57%
NFXS Direxion Daily NFLX Bear 1X Shares	24.21%	-8.56%	-21.49%

Correlation

The correlation between IQSU and NFXS is -0.18, 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	-0.18
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 3, 2024	-0.31

The correlation between IQSU and NFXS shifts across timeframes, from -0.31 (all time) to -0.18 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

IQSU vs. NFXS — Risk / Return Rank

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

IQSU

IQSU Risk / Return Rank: 58
IQSU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 60
IQSU Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
IQSU Omega Ratio Rank: 59
IQSU Calmar Ratio Rank: 53
IQSU Martin Ratio Rank: 59

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.

IQSU vs. NFXS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for IQ Candriam ESG U.S. Equity ETF (IQSU) 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.

	IQSU	NFXS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.86	1.91	-0.05
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.55	2.55	0.00
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.36	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.42	2.06	+0.36
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.76	5.64	+4.12

IQSU vs. NFXS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IQSU 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 IQSU 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

IQSU vs. NFXS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IQSU drawdown since its inception was -31.29%, smaller than the maximum NFXS drawdown of -50.37%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IQSU and NFXS.

Drawdown Indicators

	IQSU	NFXS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-31.29%	-50.37%	+19.08%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.18%	-31.31%	+20.13%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.96%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-26.76%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.20%	-12.88%	+10.68%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.95%	-31.93%	+25.98%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.77%	11.45%	-8.68%

Volatility

IQSU vs. NFXS - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for IQ Candriam ESG U.S. Equity ETF (IQSU) is 5.59%, while Direxion Daily NFLX Bear 1X Shares (NFXS) has a volatility of 7.74%. This indicates that IQSU 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

	IQSU	NFXS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.59%	7.74%	-2.15%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.97%	26.22%	-15.25%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.58%	33.81%	-19.23%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.02%	34.65%	-16.63%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.69%	34.65%	-13.96%

IQSU vs. NFXS - Expense Ratio Comparison

IQSU has a 0.09% expense ratio, which is lower than NFXS's 1.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

IQSU vs. NFXS - Dividend Comparison

IQSU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.00%, less than NFXS's 3.23% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
IQSU IQ Candriam ESG U.S. Equity ETF	1.00%	1.09%	1.12%	1.15%	1.47%	1.07%	0.98%
NFXS Direxion Daily NFLX Bear 1X Shares	3.23%	3.53%	0.87%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IQSU and NFXS in my portfolio?

IQSU and NFXS have a correlation of -0.18, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IQSU or NFXS?

NFXS has higher volatility (7.74%) compared to IQSU (5.59%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IQSU dropped -31.29% vs NFXS's -50.37%.

Which ETF is better, IQSU or NFXS?

On 1-year performance, NFXS leads with 64.26% vs 26.97% for IQSU. On fees, IQSU is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, IQSU has been the lower-risk option at 5.59%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IQSU or NFXS?

Over the 1-year period, NFXS has performed better with a 64.26% return vs 26.97%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IQSU or NFXS?

IQSU is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 1.03% for NFXS.

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

NFXS has the higher dividend yield at 3.23%, compared with 1.00% for IQSU.

What is the main difference between IQSU and NFXS?

IQSU is categorized as Large Cap Growth Equities, while NFXS is Inverse Equities. They also come from different issuers: New York Life and Direxion. Their fees differ too: 0.09% for IQSU 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.