MSTX vs. SPUU

Last updated Jul 12, 2026

MSTX (Defiance Daily Target 2X Long MSTR ETF) and SPUU (Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bull 2X ETF) are both Leveraged Equities funds. MSTX is actively managed, while SPUU is passively managed. Over the past year, MSTX returned -98.10% vs 40.22% for SPUU. At a 0.46 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. MSTX charges 1.29%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for SPUU.

Performance

MSTX vs. SPUU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Defiance Daily Target 2X Long MSTR ETF (MSTX) and Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bull 2X ETF (SPUU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MSTX achieves a -77.66% return, which is significantly lower than SPUU's 19.67% return.

MSTX

• 1D: 1.30%
• 1M: -46.85%
• 6M: -78.77%
• YTD: -77.66%
• 1Y: -98.10%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SPUU

• 1D: 0.89%
• 1M: 3.56%
• 6M: 15.49%
• YTD: 19.67%
• 1Y: 40.22%
• 3Y*: 35.03%
• 5Y*: 18.61%
• 10Y*: 24.16%

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

MSTX vs. SPUU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
MSTX Defiance Daily Target 2X Long MSTR ETF	-77.66%	-89.06%	134.05%
SPUU Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bull 2X ETF	19.67%	26.55%	14.31%

Correlation

The correlation between MSTX and SPUU is 0.48, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.48
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 15, 2024	0.46

Return for Risk

MSTX vs. SPUU — Risk / Return Rank

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

MSTX

MSTX Risk / Return Rank: 2
MSTX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 4
MSTX Sortino Ratio Rank: 0
MSTX Omega Ratio Rank: 0
MSTX Calmar Ratio Rank: 0
MSTX Martin Ratio Rank: 3

SPUU

SPUU Risk / Return Rank: 56
SPUU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 58
SPUU Sortino Ratio Rank: 53
SPUU Omega Ratio Rank: 54
SPUU Calmar Ratio Rank: 54
SPUU Martin Ratio Rank: 63

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.

MSTX vs. SPUU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Defiance Daily Target 2X Long MSTR ETF (MSTX) and Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bull 2X ETF (SPUU). 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.

	MSTX	SPUU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.66	1.56	-2.23
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-2.59	2.10	-4.68
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.74	1.27	-0.54
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.99	2.17	-3.16
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.20	8.99	-10.19

MSTX vs. SPUU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MSTX Sharpe Ratio is -0.66, which is lower than the SPUU Sharpe Ratio of 1.56. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MSTX and SPUU, 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

MSTX vs. SPUU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MSTX drawdown since its inception was -99.46%, which is greater than SPUU's maximum drawdown of -59.35%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MSTX and SPUU.

Drawdown Indicators

	MSTX	SPUU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-99.46%	-59.35%	-40.11%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-98.63%	-18.19%	-80.44%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-35.18%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-46.59%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-59.35%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-99.31%	-1.40%	-97.91%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-71.33%	-9.46%	-61.87%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	81.26%	4.38%	+76.88%

Volatility

MSTX vs. SPUU - Volatility Comparison

Defiance Daily Target 2X Long MSTR ETF (MSTX) has a higher volatility of 53.40% compared to Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bull 2X ETF (SPUU) at 8.62%. This indicates that MSTX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SPUU based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MSTX	SPUU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	53.40%	8.62%	+44.78%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	122.06%	20.06%	+102.00%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	147.96%	25.21%	+122.75%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	168.28%	33.67%	+134.61%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	168.28%	35.74%	+132.54%

MSTX vs. SPUU - Expense Ratio Comparison

MSTX has a 1.29% expense ratio, which is higher than SPUU's 0.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

MSTX vs. SPUU - Dividend Comparison

MSTX has not paid dividends to shareholders, while SPUU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.31%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MSTX Defiance Daily Target 2X Long MSTR ETF	0.00%	0.00%	41.01%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SPUU Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bull 2X ETF	1.31%	1.63%	0.55%	0.83%	0.88%	3.04%	8.03%	1.80%	5.50%	6.96%	8.08%	4.42%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MSTX and SPUU in my portfolio?

MSTX and SPUU have a correlation of 0.48, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MSTX or SPUU?

MSTX has higher volatility (53.40%) compared to SPUU (8.62%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MSTX dropped -99.46% vs SPUU's -59.35%.

Which ETF is better, MSTX or SPUU?

On 1-year performance, SPUU leads with 40.22% vs -98.10% for MSTX. On fees, SPUU is cheaper at 0.60% per year. On volatility, SPUU has been the lower-risk option at 8.62%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MSTX or SPUU?

Over the 1-year period, SPUU has performed better with a 40.22% return vs -98.10%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MSTX or SPUU?

SPUU is cheaper with a 0.60% expense ratio, compared with 1.29% for MSTX.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, MSTX or SPUU?

SPUU has the higher dividend yield at 1.31%, compared with 0.00% for MSTX.

What is the main difference between MSTX and SPUU?

They also come from different issuers: Defiance and Direxion. Their fees differ too: 1.29% for MSTX and 0.60% for SPUU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SPUU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.56 vs -0.66), 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.