LABU vs. DFEN

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

LABU (Direxion Daily S&P Biotech Bull 3x Shares) and DFEN (Direxion Daily Aerospace & Defense Bull 3X Shares) are both Leveraged Equities funds from Direxion - LABU tracks the S&P Biotechnology Select Industry Index (300%) while DFEN tracks the Dow Jones U.S. Select Aerospace & Defense Index (300%). Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, LABU returned -34.35%/yr vs 29.22%/yr for DFEN. At a 0.43 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. LABU charges 1.12%/yr vs 0.99%/yr for DFEN.

Performance

LABU vs. DFEN - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Direxion Daily S&P Biotech Bull 3x Shares (LABU) 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, LABU achieves a 12.06% return, which is significantly lower than DFEN's 13.12% return.

LABU

• 1D: 2.37%
• 1M: 3.51%
• YTD: 12.06%
• 6M: 8.94%
• 1Y: 207.12%
• 3Y*: 6.07%
• 5Y*: -34.35%
• 10Y*: -11.11%

DFEN

• 1D: -2.71%
• 1M: 21.79%
• YTD: 13.12%
• 6M: 20.44%
• 1Y: 75.01%
• 3Y*: 64.38%
• 5Y*: 29.22%
• 10Y*: —

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

LABU vs. DFEN - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
LABU Direxion Daily S&P Biotech Bull 3x Shares	12.06%	79.17%	-26.02%	-13.41%	-80.36%	-64.15%	74.66%	75.50%	-57.61%	54.45%
DFEN Direxion Daily Aerospace & Defense Bull 3X Shares	13.12%	156.62%	27.07%	24.70%	6.99%	12.72%	-70.23%	95.09%	-32.86%	83.64%

Correlation

The correlation between LABU and DFEN is 0.39, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.39
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.40
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.44
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 3, 2017	0.43

LABU vs. DFEN - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	LABU	DFEN
Healthcare	99.7%	-
Financial Services	0.3%	-
Basic Materials	0.0%	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Industrials	-	20.4%
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	0.0%
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

LABU vs. DFEN — Risk / Return Rank

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

LABU

LABU Risk / Return Rank: 83
LABU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 89
LABU Sortino Ratio Rank: 75
LABU Omega Ratio Rank: 66
LABU Calmar Ratio Rank: 95
LABU Martin Ratio Rank: 90

DFEN

DFEN Risk / Return Rank: 38
DFEN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 37
DFEN Sortino Ratio Rank: 40
DFEN Omega Ratio Rank: 36
DFEN Calmar Ratio Rank: 42
DFEN Martin Ratio Rank: 33

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.

LABU vs. DFEN - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Direxion Daily S&P Biotech Bull 3x Shares (LABU) 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.

	LABU	DFEN	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.57	1.18	+1.39
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.89	1.85	+1.03
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.22	+0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	6.49	1.85	+4.64
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	18.31	4.29	+14.01

LABU vs. DFEN - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current LABU Sharpe Ratio is 2.57, which is higher than the DFEN Sharpe Ratio of 1.18. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of LABU 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

LABU vs. DFEN - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum LABU drawdown since its inception was -99.18%, which is greater than DFEN's maximum drawdown of -91.36%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for LABU and DFEN.

Drawdown Indicators

	LABU	DFEN	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-99.18%	-91.36%	-7.82%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-30.70%	-41.75%	+11.05%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-78.30%	-43.13%	-35.17%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-97.59%	-55.30%	-42.29%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-98.96%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-96.05%	-25.87%	-70.18%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-81.69%	-45.20%	-36.49%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	10.91%	17.99%	-7.08%

Volatility

LABU vs. DFEN - Volatility Comparison

Direxion Daily S&P Biotech Bull 3x Shares (LABU) has a higher volatility of 31.31% compared to Direxion Daily Aerospace & Defense Bull 3X Shares (DFEN) at 27.31%. This indicates that LABU's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than DFEN based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	LABU	DFEN	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	31.31%	27.31%	+4.00%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	61.52%	55.81%	+5.71%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	77.69%	65.81%	+11.88%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	95.70%	60.74%	+34.96%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	95.45%	71.66%	+23.79%

LABU vs. DFEN - Expense Ratio Comparison

LABU has a 1.12% expense ratio, which is higher than DFEN's 0.99% expense ratio.

Dividends

LABU vs. DFEN - Dividend Comparison

LABU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.69%, less than DFEN's 7.89% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DFEN Direxion Daily Aerospace & Defense Bull 3X Shares	7.89%	8.89%	14.12%	1.13%	0.46%	1.89%	0.48%	0.50%	1.07%	1.50%
LABU Direxion Daily S&P Biotech Bull 3x Shares	0.69%	0.84%	0.35%	0.35%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.28%	0.64%	0.17%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both LABU and DFEN in my portfolio?

LABU and DFEN have a correlation of 0.39, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, LABU or DFEN?

LABU has higher volatility (31.31%) compared to DFEN (27.31%). In terms of maximum drawdown, LABU dropped -99.18% vs DFEN's -91.36%.

Which ETF is better, LABU or DFEN?

On 5-year performance, DFEN leads with 29.22% vs -34.35% for LABU. On fees, DFEN is cheaper at 0.99% per year. On volatility, DFEN has been the lower-risk option at 27.31%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, LABU or DFEN?

Over the 5-year period, DFEN has performed better with a 29.22% return vs -34.35%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, LABU or DFEN?

DFEN is cheaper with a 0.99% expense ratio, compared with 1.12% for LABU.

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

DFEN has the higher dividend yield at 7.89%, compared with 0.69% for LABU.

What is the main difference between LABU and DFEN?

LABU tracks S&P Biotechnology Select Industry Index (300%), while DFEN tracks Dow Jones U.S. Select Aerospace & Defense Index (300%). Their fees differ too: 1.12% for LABU and 0.99% for DFEN.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

LABU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.57 vs 1.18), 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.