MFTFX vs. SPXL

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

MFTFX (Arrow Managed Futures Stragegy Fund) and SPXL (Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bull 3X ETF) are both funds - MFTFX is a Systematic Trend fund managed by Arrow Funds, while SPXL is a Leveraged Equities fund tracking the S&P 500. Over the past 10 years, MFTFX returned 5.30%/yr vs 30.27%/yr for SPXL. At a 0.11 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. MFTFX charges 1.54%/yr vs 0.84%/yr for SPXL.

Performance

MFTFX vs. SPXL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Arrow Managed Futures Stragegy Fund (MFTFX) and Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bull 3X ETF (SPXL). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MFTFX achieves a 13.40% return, which is significantly lower than SPXL's 17.21% return. Over the past 10 years, MFTFX has underperformed SPXL with an annualized return of 5.30%, while SPXL has yielded a comparatively higher 30.27% annualized return.

MFTFX

• 1D: 0.29%
• 1M: -1.98%
• YTD: 13.40%
• 6M: 12.85%
• 1Y: 46.72%
• 3Y*: 4.24%
• 5Y*: 11.43%
• 10Y*: 5.30%

SPXL

• 1D: -4.48%
• 1M: -5.53%
• YTD: 17.21%
• 6M: 13.86%
• 1Y: 62.56%
• 3Y*: 46.39%
• 5Y*: 20.70%
• 10Y*: 30.27%

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

MFTFX vs. SPXL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MFTFX Arrow Managed Futures Stragegy Fund	13.40%	9.29%	6.87%	-13.57%	57.88%	2.13%	-4.13%	15.17%	-19.70%	19.09%
SPXL Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bull 3X ETF	17.21%	31.94%	63.61%	69.49%	-56.55%	98.75%	9.64%	102.80%	-25.11%	71.03%

Correlation

The correlation between MFTFX and SPXL 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	0.29
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.18
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.19
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 1, 2010	0.11

Over the past year, MFTFX and SPXL have become more correlated (0.39) than their long-term average of 0.11, meaning their price movements have been converging.

Return for Risk

MFTFX vs. SPXL — Risk / Return Rank

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

MFTFX

MFTFX Risk / Return Rank: 79
MFTFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 82
MFTFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 70
MFTFX Omega Ratio Rank: 71
MFTFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 93
MFTFX Martin Ratio Rank: 76

SPXL

SPXL Risk / Return Rank: 49
SPXL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 51
SPXL Sortino Ratio Rank: 44
SPXL Omega Ratio Rank: 45
SPXL Calmar Ratio Rank: 49
SPXL Martin Ratio Rank: 56

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.

MFTFX vs. SPXL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Arrow Managed Futures Stragegy Fund (MFTFX) and Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bull 3X ETF (SPXL). 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.

	MFTFX	SPXL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.49	1.69	+0.80
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.18	2.15	+1.03
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.43	1.28	+0.14
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.78	2.35	+2.43
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.43	9.57	+3.86

MFTFX vs. SPXL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MFTFX Sharpe Ratio is 2.49, which is higher than the SPXL Sharpe Ratio of 1.69. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MFTFX and SPXL, 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

MFTFX vs. SPXL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MFTFX drawdown since its inception was -35.70%, smaller than the maximum SPXL drawdown of -76.86%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MFTFX and SPXL.

Drawdown Indicators

	MFTFX	SPXL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-35.70%	-76.86%	+41.16%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.83%	-26.77%	+16.94%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-32.57%	-48.95%	+16.38%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-32.57%	-63.80%	+31.23%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.70%	-76.86%	+41.16%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.48%	-10.44%	+6.96%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-16.94%	-16.09%	-0.85%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.49%	6.56%	-3.07%

Volatility

MFTFX vs. SPXL - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Arrow Managed Futures Stragegy Fund (MFTFX) is 4.75%, while Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bull 3X ETF (SPXL) has a volatility of 14.70%. This indicates that MFTFX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SPXL based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MFTFX	SPXL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.75%	14.70%	-9.95%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.40%	29.55%	-17.15%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.90%	37.43%	-18.53%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.95%	50.54%	-28.59%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.14%	53.47%	-31.33%

MFTFX vs. SPXL - Expense Ratio Comparison

MFTFX has a 1.54% expense ratio, which is higher than SPXL's 0.84% expense ratio.

Dividends

MFTFX vs. SPXL - Dividend Comparison

MFTFX has not paid dividends to shareholders, while SPXL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.57%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MFTFX Arrow Managed Futures Stragegy Fund	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	11.75%	41.04%	2.30%	0.00%	20.00%	7.84%	2.12%	9.36%	1.21%
SPXL Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bull 3X ETF	0.57%	0.69%	0.74%	0.98%	0.32%	0.11%	0.22%	0.84%	1.02%	3.88%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MFTFX and SPXL in my portfolio?

MFTFX and SPXL 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, MFTFX or SPXL?

SPXL has higher volatility (14.70%) compared to MFTFX (4.75%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MFTFX dropped -35.70% vs SPXL's -76.86%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MFTFX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.49 vs 1.69), 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.