NASA vs. DFEN

Last updated Jun 16, 2026

NASA (Tema Space Innovators ETF) and DFEN (Direxion Daily Aerospace & Defense Bull 3X Shares) are both exchange-traded funds - NASA is a Aerospace & Defense fund actively managed by Tema, while DFEN is a Leveraged Equities fund tracking the Dow Jones U.S. Select Aerospace & Defense Index (300%). NASA is actively managed, while DFEN is passively managed. A 0.52 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. NASA charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.99%/yr for DFEN.

Performance

NASA vs. DFEN - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Tema Space Innovators ETF (NASA) and Direxion Daily Aerospace & Defense Bull 3X Shares (DFEN). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

NASA

• 1D: 1.72%
• 1M: -5.88%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

DFEN

• 1D: 4.39%
• 1M: 27.13%
• YTD: 18.09%
• 6M: 25.12%
• 1Y: 82.69%
• 3Y*: 66.62%
• 5Y*: 30.97%
• 10Y*: —

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

NASA vs. DFEN - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
NASA Tema Space Innovators ETF	34.77%
DFEN Direxion Daily Aerospace & Defense Bull 3X Shares	32.85%

Correlation

The correlation between NASA and DFEN is 0.52, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 31, 2026	0.52

Return for Risk

NASA vs. DFEN — Risk / Return Rank

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

NASA

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

DFEN

DFEN Risk / Return Rank: 39
DFEN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 39
DFEN Sortino Ratio Rank: 41
DFEN Omega Ratio Rank: 37
DFEN Calmar Ratio Rank: 44
DFEN Martin Ratio Rank: 34

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.

NASA vs. DFEN - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Tema Space Innovators ETF (NASA) and Direxion Daily Aerospace & Defense Bull 3X Shares (DFEN). 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.

	NASA	DFEN	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	1.26	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	1.93	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.23	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	1.99	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	4.60	—

Drawdowns

NASA vs. DFEN - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NASA drawdown since its inception was -25.42%, smaller than the maximum DFEN drawdown of -91.36%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NASA and DFEN.

Drawdown Indicators

	NASA	DFEN	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-25.42%	-91.36%	+65.94%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-41.75%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-43.13%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-55.30%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-22.46%	-22.62%	+0.16%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.71%	-45.19%	+39.48%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	18.04%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	NASA	DFEN	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	27.48%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	55.73%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	68.70%	66.02%	+2.68%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	68.70%	60.79%	+7.91%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	68.70%	71.66%	-2.96%

NASA vs. DFEN - Expense Ratio Comparison

NASA has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is lower than DFEN's 0.99% expense ratio.

Dividends

NASA vs. DFEN - Dividend Comparison

NASA has not paid dividends to shareholders, while DFEN's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 7.56%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DFEN Direxion Daily Aerospace & Defense Bull 3X Shares	7.56%	8.89%	14.12%	1.13%	0.46%	1.89%	0.48%	0.50%	1.07%	1.50%
NASA Tema Space Innovators ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NASA and DFEN in my portfolio?

NASA and DFEN have a correlation of 0.52, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, NASA or DFEN?

On fees, NASA is cheaper at 0.75% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, NASA or DFEN?

NASA is cheaper with a 0.75% expense ratio, compared with 0.99% for DFEN.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, NASA or DFEN?

DFEN has the higher dividend yield at 7.56%, compared with 0.00% for NASA.

What is the main difference between NASA and DFEN?

NASA is categorized as Aerospace & Defense, while DFEN is Leveraged Equities. They also come from different issuers: Tema and Direxion. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for NASA and 0.99% for DFEN.