MSFD vs. AIBU

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

MSFD (Direxion Daily MSFT Bear 1X Shares) and AIBU (Direxion Daily AI and Big Data Bull 2X Shares) are both exchange-traded funds - MSFD is a Inverse Equities fund tracking the Microsoft Corporation (-100%), while AIBU is a Leveraged Equities fund tracking the Solactive US AI & Big Data Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, MSFD returned 7.43% vs 109.46% for AIBU. At a correlation of -0.65, they often move in opposite directions. MSFD charges 1.06%/yr vs 0.96%/yr for AIBU.

Performance

MSFD vs. AIBU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Direxion Daily MSFT Bear 1X Shares (MSFD) and Direxion Daily AI and Big Data Bull 2X Shares (AIBU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MSFD achieves a 10.43% return, which is significantly lower than AIBU's 48.05% return.

MSFD

• 1D: 3.26%
• 1M: -3.86%
• YTD: 10.43%
• 6M: 9.36%
• 1Y: 7.43%
• 3Y*: -7.16%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

AIBU

• 1D: -4.35%
• 1M: 29.93%
• YTD: 48.05%
• 6M: 34.98%
• 1Y: 109.46%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

MSFD vs. AIBU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
MSFD Direxion Daily MSFT Bear 1X Shares	10.43%	-13.36%	2.44%
AIBU Direxion Daily AI and Big Data Bull 2X Shares	48.05%	42.25%	38.36%

Correlation

The correlation between MSFD and AIBU is -0.56, 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	-0.56
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 16, 2024	-0.65

The correlation between MSFD and AIBU has been stable across timeframes, ranging from -0.65 to -0.56 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

MSFD vs. AIBU — Risk / Return Rank

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

MSFD

MSFD Risk / Return Rank: 13
MSFD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 13
MSFD Sortino Ratio Rank: 14
MSFD Omega Ratio Rank: 14
MSFD Calmar Ratio Rank: 13
MSFD Martin Ratio Rank: 13

AIBU

AIBU Risk / Return Rank: 53
AIBU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 70
AIBU Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
AIBU Omega Ratio Rank: 55
AIBU Calmar Ratio Rank: 46
AIBU Martin Ratio Rank: 36

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.

MSFD vs. AIBU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Direxion Daily MSFT Bear 1X Shares (MSFD) and Direxion Daily AI and Big Data Bull 2X Shares (AIBU). 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.

	MSFD	AIBU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.29	2.31	-2.01
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.63	2.67	-2.04
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.08	1.34	-0.26
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.32	2.26	-1.94
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.89	5.52	-4.62
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

MSFD vs. AIBU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MSFD Sharpe Ratio is 0.29, which is lower than the AIBU Sharpe Ratio of 2.31. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MSFD and AIBU, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	MSFD	AIBU	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.29	2.31	-2.01
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	-0.51	1.25	-1.76

Drawdowns

MSFD vs. AIBU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MSFD drawdown since its inception was -59.90%, which is greater than AIBU's maximum drawdown of -51.17%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MSFD and AIBU.

Drawdown Indicators

	MSFD	AIBU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-59.90%	-51.17%	-8.73%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-23.25%	-48.71%	+25.46%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-40.50%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-50.20%	-4.35%	-45.85%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-41.59%	-13.76%	-27.83%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	8.40%	19.91%	-11.51%

Volatility

MSFD vs. AIBU - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Direxion Daily MSFT Bear 1X Shares (MSFD) is 10.12%, while Direxion Daily AI and Big Data Bull 2X Shares (AIBU) has a volatility of 14.56%. This indicates that MSFD experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than AIBU based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MSFD	AIBU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	10.12%	14.56%	-4.44%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	22.06%	36.96%	-14.90%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	25.32%	47.71%	-22.39%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	26.15%	55.37%	-29.22%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	26.15%	55.37%	-29.22%

MSFD vs. AIBU - Expense Ratio Comparison

MSFD has a 1.06% expense ratio, which is higher than AIBU's 0.96% expense ratio.

Dividends

MSFD vs. AIBU - Dividend Comparison

MSFD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.83%, more than AIBU's 1.51% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
AIBU Direxion Daily AI and Big Data Bull 2X Shares	1.51%	2.27%	1.33%	0.00%	0.00%
MSFD Direxion Daily MSFT Bear 1X Shares	2.83%	3.33%	4.46%	4.43%	0.74%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MSFD and AIBU in my portfolio?

MSFD and AIBU have a correlation of -0.56, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MSFD or AIBU?

AIBU has higher volatility (14.56%) compared to MSFD (10.12%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MSFD dropped -59.90% vs AIBU's -51.17%.

Which ETF is better, MSFD or AIBU?

On 1-year performance, AIBU leads with 109.46% vs 7.43% for MSFD. On fees, AIBU is cheaper at 0.96% per year. On volatility, MSFD has been the lower-risk option at 10.12%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MSFD or AIBU?

Over the 1-year period, AIBU has performed better with a 109.46% return vs 7.43%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MSFD or AIBU?

AIBU is cheaper with a 0.96% expense ratio, compared with 1.06% for MSFD.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, MSFD or AIBU?

MSFD has the higher dividend yield at 2.83%, compared with 1.51% for AIBU.

What is the main difference between MSFD and AIBU?

MSFD is categorized as Inverse Equities, while AIBU is Leveraged Equities. MSFD tracks Microsoft Corporation (-100%), while AIBU tracks Solactive US AI & Big Data Index. Their fees differ too: 1.06% for MSFD and 0.96% for AIBU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AIBU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.31 vs 0.29), 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.