MZZ vs. ERX

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

MZZ (ProShares UltraShort MidCap400) and ERX (Direxion Daily Energy Bull 2X Shares) are both Leveraged Equities funds - MZZ tracks the S&P MidCap 400 Index (-200%) while ERX tracks the Energy Select Sector Index (300%). Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, MZZ returned -25.27%/yr vs -9.03%/yr for ERX. At a correlation of -0.64, they often move in opposite directions. MZZ charges 0.95%/yr vs 1.09%/yr for ERX.

Performance

MZZ vs. ERX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ProShares UltraShort MidCap400 (MZZ) and Direxion Daily Energy Bull 2X Shares (ERX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MZZ achieves a -22.57% return, which is significantly lower than ERX's 62.58% return. Over the past 10 years, MZZ has underperformed ERX with an annualized return of -25.27%, while ERX has yielded a comparatively higher -9.03% annualized return.

MZZ

• 1D: -1.64%
• 1M: -5.89%
• YTD: -22.57%
• 6M: -23.66%
• 1Y: -35.66%
• 3Y*: -23.59%
• 5Y*: -16.74%
• 10Y*: -25.27%

ERX

• 1D: 2.25%
• 1M: -4.14%
• YTD: 62.58%
• 6M: 61.46%
• 1Y: 90.02%
• 3Y*: 22.61%
• 5Y*: 28.38%
• 10Y*: -9.03%

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

MZZ vs. ERX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MZZ ProShares UltraShort MidCap400	-22.57%	-14.68%	-17.75%	-23.67%	13.02%	-42.14%	-53.08%	-38.03%	22.83%	-27.72%
ERX Direxion Daily Energy Bull 2X Shares	62.58%	2.79%	1.09%	-12.26%	130.58%	111.91%	-91.60%	17.13%	-55.94%	-11.60%

Correlation

The correlation between MZZ and ERX is -0.08, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.08
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	-0.34
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	-0.43
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	-0.53
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 20, 2008	-0.64

Over the past year, the inverse relationship between MZZ and ERX has weakened: their correlation has moved from -0.64 to -0.08, meaning they move in opposite directions less often than they have historically.

Return for Risk

MZZ vs. ERX — Risk / Return Rank

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

MZZ

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

ERX

ERX Risk / Return Rank: 62
ERX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 65
ERX Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
ERX Omega Ratio Rank: 51
ERX Calmar Ratio Rank: 78
ERX Martin Ratio Rank: 62

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.

MZZ vs. ERX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ProShares UltraShort MidCap400 (MZZ) and Direxion Daily Energy Bull 2X Shares (ERX). 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.

	MZZ	ERX	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	-1.15	2.20	-3.35
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	-1.65	2.61	-4.27
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.81	1.32	-0.51
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.99	4.08	-5.07
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	-1.73	11.16	-12.89
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

MZZ vs. ERX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MZZ Sharpe Ratio is -1.15, which is lower than the ERX Sharpe Ratio of 2.20. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MZZ and ERX, 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

	MZZ	ERX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-1.15	2.20	-3.35
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	-0.43	0.55	-0.98
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	-0.61	-0.13	-0.48
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	-0.60	-0.09	-0.51

Drawdowns

MZZ vs. ERX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MZZ drawdown since its inception was -99.90%, roughly equal to the maximum ERX drawdown of -99.54%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MZZ and ERX.

Drawdown Indicators

	MZZ	ERX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-99.90%	-99.54%	-0.36%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-35.22%	-23.34%	-11.88%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-62.13%	-42.34%	-19.79%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-68.64%	-46.90%	-21.74%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-95.10%	-98.59%	+3.49%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-99.90%	-91.79%	-8.11%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-86.07%	-67.01%	-19.06%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	20.39%	8.52%	+11.87%

Volatility

MZZ vs. ERX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for ProShares UltraShort MidCap400 (MZZ) is 8.88%, while Direxion Daily Energy Bull 2X Shares (ERX) has a volatility of 16.37%. This indicates that MZZ experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than ERX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MZZ	ERX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.88%	16.37%	-7.49%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	22.99%	33.42%	-10.43%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	31.15%	41.14%	-9.99%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	39.16%	51.97%	-12.81%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	41.39%	69.19%	-27.80%

MZZ vs. ERX - Expense Ratio Comparison

MZZ has a 0.95% expense ratio, which is lower than ERX's 1.09% expense ratio.

Dividends

MZZ vs. ERX - Dividend Comparison

MZZ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.70%, more than ERX's 1.65% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
ERX Direxion Daily Energy Bull 2X Shares	1.65%	2.54%	2.94%	3.17%	2.23%	2.16%	2.35%	1.56%	3.10%	0.85%
MZZ ProShares UltraShort MidCap400	6.70%	5.27%	6.36%	4.52%	0.25%	0.00%	0.22%	1.53%	0.53%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MZZ and ERX in my portfolio?

MZZ and ERX have a correlation of -0.08, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MZZ or ERX?

ERX has higher volatility (16.37%) compared to MZZ (8.88%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MZZ dropped -99.90% vs ERX's -99.54%.

Which ETF is better, MZZ or ERX?

On 10-year performance, ERX leads with -9.03% vs -25.27% for MZZ. On fees, MZZ is cheaper at 0.95% per year. On volatility, MZZ has been the lower-risk option at 8.88%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MZZ or ERX?

Over the 10-year period, ERX has performed better with a -9.03% return vs -25.27%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MZZ or ERX?

MZZ is cheaper with a 0.95% expense ratio, compared with 1.09% for ERX.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, MZZ or ERX?

MZZ has the higher dividend yield at 6.70%, compared with 1.65% for ERX.

What is the main difference between MZZ and ERX?

MZZ tracks S&P MidCap 400 Index (-200%), while ERX tracks Energy Select Sector Index (300%). They also come from different issuers: ProShares and Direxion. Their fees differ too: 0.95% for MZZ and 1.09% for ERX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ERX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.20 vs -1.15), 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.