ITB vs. NAIL

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

ITB (iShares U.S. Home Construction ETF) and NAIL (Direxion Daily Homebuilders & Supplies Bull 3X Shares) are both exchange-traded funds - ITB is a Building & Construction fund tracking the Dow Jones U.S. Select Home Construction Index, while NAIL is a Leveraged Equities fund tracking the Dow Jones U.S. Select Home Construction Index (300%). Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, ITB returned 13.44%/yr vs 2.96%/yr for NAIL. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. ITB charges 0.38%/yr vs 0.99%/yr for NAIL.

Performance

ITB vs. NAIL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares U.S. Home Construction ETF (ITB) and Direxion Daily Homebuilders & Supplies Bull 3X Shares (NAIL). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ITB achieves a 0.36% return, which is significantly higher than NAIL's -18.61% return. Over the past 10 years, ITB has outperformed NAIL with an annualized return of 13.44%, while NAIL has yielded a comparatively lower 2.96% annualized return.

ITB

• 1D: -1.49%
• 1M: -0.51%
• 6M: -10.42%
• YTD: 0.36%
• 1Y: -1.85%
• 3Y*: 3.64%
• 5Y*: 8.49%
• 10Y*: 13.44%

NAIL

• 1D: -4.47%
• 1M: -6.29%
• 6M: -40.90%
• YTD: -18.61%
• 1Y: -35.01%
• 3Y*: -21.47%
• 5Y*: -9.92%
• 10Y*: 2.96%

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

ITB vs. NAIL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
ITB iShares U.S. Home Construction ETF	0.36%	-5.26%	2.06%	68.91%	-26.26%	49.25%	26.42%	48.70%	-30.92%	59.65%
NAIL Direxion Daily Homebuilders & Supplies Bull 3X Shares	-18.61%	-40.43%	-22.83%	259.61%	-75.23%	168.20%	-32.08%	184.63%	-73.96%	268.71%

Correlation

The correlation between ITB and NAIL is 1.00 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.00
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	1.00
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	1.00
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.99
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 19, 2015	0.96

The correlation between ITB and NAIL has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.96 to 1.00 - a consistent structural relationship.

ITB vs. NAIL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	ITB	NAIL
Consumer Cyclical	74.4%	71.3%
Industrials	16.0%	19.5%
Basic Materials	8.9%	8.7%
Real Estate	0.7%	0.5%
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Technology	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

ITB vs. NAIL — Risk / Return Rank

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

ITB

ITB Risk / Return Rank: 9
ITB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 9
ITB Sortino Ratio Rank: 9
ITB Omega Ratio Rank: 9
ITB Calmar Ratio Rank: 9
ITB Martin Ratio Rank: 9

NAIL

NAIL Risk / Return Rank: 6
NAIL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 6
NAIL Sortino Ratio Rank: 7
NAIL Omega Ratio Rank: 7
NAIL Calmar Ratio Rank: 5
NAIL Martin Ratio Rank: 5

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.

ITB vs. NAIL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares U.S. Home Construction ETF (ITB) and Direxion Daily Homebuilders & Supplies Bull 3X Shares (NAIL). 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.

	ITB	NAIL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.06	-0.39	+0.33
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.14	-0.07	+0.22
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.02	0.99	+0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.07	-0.52	+0.45
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.13	-0.84	+0.71

ITB vs. NAIL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ITB Sharpe Ratio is -0.06, which is higher than the NAIL Sharpe Ratio of -0.39. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ITB and NAIL, 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

ITB vs. NAIL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ITB drawdown since its inception was -86.53%, smaller than the maximum NAIL drawdown of -93.75%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ITB and NAIL.

Drawdown Indicators

	ITB	NAIL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-86.53%	-93.75%	+7.22%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-26.04%	-67.85%	+41.81%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-33.35%	-82.09%	+48.74%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-40.55%	-84.40%	+43.85%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-52.10%	-93.75%	+41.65%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-23.92%	-76.74%	+52.82%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-37.02%	-44.07%	+7.05%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	14.00%	41.84%	-27.84%

Volatility

ITB vs. NAIL - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares U.S. Home Construction ETF (ITB) is 10.84%, while Direxion Daily Homebuilders & Supplies Bull 3X Shares (NAIL) has a volatility of 31.57%. This indicates that ITB experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than NAIL based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ITB	NAIL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	10.84%	31.57%	-20.73%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	22.25%	65.83%	-43.58%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	30.26%	89.93%	-59.67%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	29.51%	87.93%	-58.42%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	30.14%	89.62%	-59.48%

ITB vs. NAIL - Expense Ratio Comparison

ITB has a 0.38% expense ratio, which is lower than NAIL's 0.99% expense ratio.

Dividends

ITB vs. NAIL - Dividend Comparison

ITB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.67%, less than NAIL's 0.77% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ITB iShares U.S. Home Construction ETF	0.67%	1.67%	0.46%	0.48%	0.86%	0.37%	0.46%	0.50%	0.63%	0.28%	0.43%	0.34%
NAIL Direxion Daily Homebuilders & Supplies Bull 3X Shares	0.77%	1.55%	0.63%	0.22%	0.00%	0.00%	0.01%	0.17%	0.35%	1.25%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ITB and NAIL in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 1.00, ITB and NAIL move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, ITB or NAIL?

NAIL has higher volatility (31.57%) compared to ITB (10.84%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ITB dropped -86.53% vs NAIL's -93.75%.

Which ETF is better, ITB or NAIL?

On 10-year performance, ITB leads with 13.44% vs 2.96% for NAIL. On fees, ITB is cheaper at 0.38% per year. On volatility, ITB has been the lower-risk option at 10.84%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ITB or NAIL?

Over the 10-year period, ITB has performed better with a 13.44% return vs 2.96%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ITB or NAIL?

ITB is cheaper with a 0.38% expense ratio, compared with 0.99% for NAIL.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, ITB or NAIL?

NAIL has the higher dividend yield at 0.77%, compared with 0.67% for ITB.

What is the main difference between ITB and NAIL?

ITB is categorized as Building & Construction, while NAIL is Leveraged Equities. ITB tracks Dow Jones U.S. Select Home Construction Index, while NAIL tracks Dow Jones U.S. Select Home Construction Index (300%). They also come from different issuers: iShares and Direxion. Their fees differ too: 0.38% for ITB and 0.99% for NAIL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ITB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (-0.06 vs -0.39), 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.