MSFD vs. SPXS

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

MSFD (Direxion Daily MSFT Bear 1X Shares) and SPXS (Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bear 3X Shares) are both Inverse Equities funds from Direxion - MSFD tracks the Microsoft Corporation (-100%) while SPXS tracks the S&P 500 Index (-300%). Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, MSFD returned -3.82%/yr vs -39.60%/yr for SPXS. A 0.65 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. MSFD charges 1.06%/yr vs 1.08%/yr for SPXS.

Performance

MSFD vs. SPXS - 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 S&P 500 Bear 3X Shares (SPXS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MSFD achieves a 19.79% return, which is significantly higher than SPXS's -24.50% return.

MSFD

• 1D: -1.53%
• 1M: -0.73%
• 6M: 18.10%
• YTD: 19.79%
• 1Y: 25.82%
• 3Y*: -3.82%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SPXS

• 1D: 2.30%
• 1M: -3.30%
• 6M: -20.30%
• YTD: -24.50%
• 1Y: -40.89%
• 3Y*: -39.60%
• 5Y*: -33.12%
• 10Y*: -41.27%

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

MSFD vs. SPXS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
MSFD Direxion Daily MSFT Bear 1X Shares	19.79%	-13.36%	-7.86%	-35.90%	3.88%
SPXS Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bear 3X Shares	-24.50%	-41.53%	-42.84%	-45.97%	-4.50%

Correlation

The correlation between MSFD and SPXS is 0.40, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.40
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.60
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 7, 2022	0.65

Over the past year, the correlation between MSFD and SPXS has dropped to 0.40 - well below their long-term average of 0.65, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

MSFD vs. SPXS — Risk / Return Rank

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

MSFD

MSFD Risk / Return Rank: 32
MSFD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 32
MSFD Sortino Ratio Rank: 35
MSFD Omega Ratio Rank: 35
MSFD Calmar Ratio Rank: 28
MSFD Martin Ratio Rank: 31

SPXS

SPXS Risk / Return Rank: 1
SPXS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 1
SPXS Sortino Ratio Rank: 1
SPXS Omega Ratio Rank: 1
SPXS Calmar Ratio Rank: 1
SPXS Martin Ratio Rank: 0

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. SPXS - 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 S&P 500 Bear 3X Shares (SPXS). 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.

	MSFD	SPXS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.95	-1.09	+2.04
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.52	-1.68	+3.20
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.19	0.82	+0.38
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.12	-0.94	+2.06
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.58	-1.64	+5.22

MSFD vs. SPXS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MSFD Sharpe Ratio is 0.95, which is higher than the SPXS Sharpe Ratio of -1.09. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MSFD and SPXS, 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

MSFD vs. SPXS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MSFD drawdown since its inception was -59.90%, smaller than the maximum SPXS drawdown of -100.00%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MSFD and SPXS.

Drawdown Indicators

	MSFD	SPXS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-59.90%	-100.00%	+40.10%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-23.25%	-43.64%	+20.39%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-40.50%	-84.13%	+43.63%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-90.11%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-99.56%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-45.97%	-100.00%	+54.03%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-41.64%	-96.30%	+54.66%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	7.23%	24.98%	-17.75%

Volatility

MSFD vs. SPXS - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Direxion Daily MSFT Bear 1X Shares (MSFD) is 10.57%, while Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bear 3X Shares (SPXS) has a volatility of 12.80%. This indicates that MSFD experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SPXS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MSFD	SPXS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	10.57%	12.80%	-2.23%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	23.99%	30.04%	-6.05%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	27.34%	37.71%	-10.37%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	26.39%	50.75%	-24.36%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	26.39%	53.52%	-27.13%

MSFD vs. SPXS - Expense Ratio Comparison

MSFD has a 1.06% expense ratio, which is lower than SPXS's 1.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

MSFD vs. SPXS - Dividend Comparison

MSFD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.30%, less than SPXS's 4.50% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
MSFD Direxion Daily MSFT Bear 1X Shares	3.30%	3.33%	4.46%	4.43%	0.74%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SPXS Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bear 3X Shares	4.50%	4.93%	6.18%	5.66%	0.00%	0.00%	0.51%	1.74%	0.58%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MSFD and SPXS in my portfolio?

MSFD and SPXS have a correlation of 0.40, 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 SPXS?

SPXS has higher volatility (12.80%) compared to MSFD (10.57%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MSFD dropped -59.90% vs SPXS's -100.00%.

Which ETF is better, MSFD or SPXS?

On 3-year performance, MSFD leads with -3.82% vs -39.60% for SPXS. On fees, MSFD is cheaper at 1.06% per year. On volatility, MSFD has been the lower-risk option at 10.57%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MSFD or SPXS?

Over the 3-year period, MSFD has performed better with a -3.82% return vs -39.60%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MSFD or SPXS?

MSFD is cheaper with a 1.06% expense ratio, compared with 1.08% for SPXS.

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

SPXS has the higher dividend yield at 4.50%, compared with 3.30% for MSFD.

What is the main difference between MSFD and SPXS?

MSFD tracks Microsoft Corporation (-100%), while SPXS tracks S&P 500 Index (-300%). Their fees differ too: 1.06% for MSFD and 1.08% for SPXS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MSFD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.95 vs -1.09), 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.