MUD vs. FTXL

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

MUD (Direxion Daily MU Bear 1X Shares) and FTXL (First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - MUD is a Inverse Equities fund actively managed by Direxion, while FTXL is a Semiconductors fund tracking the Nasdaq U.S. Smart Semiconductor Index. MUD is actively managed, while FTXL is passively managed. Over the past year, MUD returned -93.62% vs 225.15% for FTXL. At a correlation of -0.76, they often move in opposite directions. MUD charges 0.97%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for FTXL.

Performance

MUD vs. FTXL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Direxion Daily MU Bear 1X Shares (MUD) and First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF (FTXL). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MUD achieves a -79.58% return, which is significantly lower than FTXL's 115.70% return.

MUD

• 1D: -1.42%
• 1M: -51.85%
• YTD: -79.58%
• 6M: -83.74%
• 1Y: -93.62%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FTXL

• 1D: 2.21%
• 1M: 30.59%
• YTD: 115.70%
• 6M: 113.17%
• 1Y: 225.15%
• 3Y*: 61.52%
• 5Y*: 34.63%
• 10Y*: —

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

MUD vs. FTXL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
MUD Direxion Daily MU Bear 1X Shares	-79.58%	-78.75%	19.12%
FTXL First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF	115.70%	48.94%	-7.59%

Correlation

The correlation between MUD and FTXL is -0.72, 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	-0.72
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 11, 2024	-0.76

The correlation between MUD and FTXL has been stable across timeframes, ranging from -0.76 to -0.72 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

MUD vs. FTXL — Risk / Return Rank

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

MUD

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

FTXL

FTXL Risk / Return Rank: 97
FTXL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 98
FTXL Sortino Ratio Rank: 96
FTXL Omega Ratio Rank: 96
FTXL Calmar Ratio Rank: 98
FTXL Martin Ratio Rank: 98

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.

MUD vs. FTXL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Direxion Daily MU Bear 1X Shares (MUD) and First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF (FTXL). 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.

	MUD	FTXL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-1.42	6.33	-7.75
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-4.38	5.74	-10.12
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.53	1.78	-1.26
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-1.00	15.62	-16.62
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.52	58.28	-59.80
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

MUD vs. FTXL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MUD Sharpe Ratio is -1.42, which is lower than the FTXL Sharpe Ratio of 6.33. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MUD and FTXL, 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

	MUD	FTXL	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-1.42	6.33	-7.75
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.97	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	-1.25	0.94	-2.19

Drawdowns

MUD vs. FTXL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MUD drawdown since its inception was -96.24%, which is greater than FTXL's maximum drawdown of -43.87%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MUD and FTXL.

Drawdown Indicators

	MUD	FTXL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-96.24%	-43.87%	-52.37%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-93.56%	-14.51%	-79.05%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-41.57%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-43.87%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-96.24%	0.00%	-96.24%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-50.32%	-10.56%	-39.76%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	61.84%	3.88%	+57.96%

Volatility

MUD vs. FTXL - Volatility Comparison

Direxion Daily MU Bear 1X Shares (MUD) has a higher volatility of 31.94% compared to First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF (FTXL) at 14.28%. This indicates that MUD's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FTXL based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MUD	FTXL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	31.94%	14.28%	+17.66%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	56.32%	28.98%	+27.34%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	65.98%	35.94%	+30.04%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	67.05%	36.02%	+31.03%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	67.05%	34.25%	+32.80%

MUD vs. FTXL - Expense Ratio Comparison

MUD has a 0.97% expense ratio, which is higher than FTXL's 0.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

MUD vs. FTXL - Dividend Comparison

MUD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 28.85%, more than FTXL's 0.12% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
FTXL First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF	0.12%	0.28%	0.54%	0.60%	0.89%	0.25%	0.48%	0.92%	0.71%	0.47%	0.12%
MUD Direxion Daily MU Bear 1X Shares	28.85%	9.21%	0.47%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MUD and FTXL in my portfolio?

MUD and FTXL have a correlation of -0.72, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MUD or FTXL?

MUD has higher volatility (31.94%) compared to FTXL (14.28%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MUD dropped -96.24% vs FTXL's -43.87%.

Which ETF is better, MUD or FTXL?

On 1-year performance, FTXL leads with 225.15% vs -93.62% for MUD. On fees, FTXL is cheaper at 0.60% per year. On volatility, FTXL has been the lower-risk option at 14.28%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MUD or FTXL?

Over the 1-year period, FTXL has performed better with a 225.15% return vs -93.62%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MUD or FTXL?

FTXL is cheaper with a 0.60% expense ratio, compared with 0.97% for MUD.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, MUD or FTXL?

MUD has the higher dividend yield at 28.85%, compared with 0.12% for FTXL.

What is the main difference between MUD and FTXL?

MUD is categorized as Inverse Equities, while FTXL is Semiconductors. They also come from different issuers: Direxion and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.97% for MUD and 0.60% for FTXL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FTXL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (6.33 vs -1.42), 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.