NFLT vs. SPXL

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

NFLT (Virtus Newfleet Multi-Sector Bond ETF) and SPXL (Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bull 3X ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - NFLT is a Multisector Bonds fund actively managed by Virtus, while SPXL is a Leveraged Equities fund tracking the S&P 500. NFLT is actively managed, while SPXL is passively managed. Over the past 10 years, NFLT returned 4.09%/yr vs 29.90%/yr for SPXL. At a 0.20 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. NFLT charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.84%/yr for SPXL.

Performance

NFLT vs. SPXL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Virtus Newfleet Multi-Sector Bond ETF (NFLT) and Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bull 3X ETF (SPXL). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, NFLT achieves a 1.75% return, which is significantly lower than SPXL's 20.98% return. Over the past 10 years, NFLT has underperformed SPXL with an annualized return of 4.09%, while SPXL has yielded a comparatively higher 29.90% annualized return.

NFLT

• 1D: -0.65%
• 1M: 0.30%
• YTD: 1.75%
• 6M: 2.23%
• 1Y: 7.85%
• 3Y*: 7.50%
• 5Y*: 3.13%
• 10Y*: 4.09%

SPXL

• 1D: 1.54%
• 1M: -1.59%
• YTD: 20.98%
• 6M: 21.36%
• 1Y: 65.66%
• 3Y*: 47.11%
• 5Y*: 21.80%
• 10Y*: 29.90%

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

NFLT vs. SPXL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
NFLT Virtus Newfleet Multi-Sector Bond ETF	1.75%	8.77%	6.05%	9.16%	-9.49%	1.18%	8.02%	10.13%	-2.68%	6.30%
SPXL Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bull 3X ETF	20.98%	31.94%	63.61%	69.49%	-56.55%	98.75%	9.64%	102.80%	-25.11%	71.03%

Correlation

The correlation between NFLT and SPXL is 0.31, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.31
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.25
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.28
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.21
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 11, 2015	0.20

The correlation between NFLT and SPXL shifts across timeframes, from 0.20 (all time) to 0.31 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

NFLT vs. SPXL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	NFLT	SPXL
Utilities	2.7%	0.6%
Financial Services	0.9%	2.4%
Healthcare	0.0%	1.8%
Real Estate	0.0%	0.4%
Technology	0.0%	8.4%
Basic Materials	-	0.4%
Communication Services	-	2.3%
Consumer Cyclical	-	2.2%
Consumer Defensive	-	1.0%
Energy	-	0.7%
Industrials	-	1.7%

Return for Risk

NFLT vs. SPXL — Risk / Return Rank

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

NFLT

NFLT Risk / Return Rank: 72
NFLT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 65
NFLT Sortino Ratio Rank: 71
NFLT Omega Ratio Rank: 68
NFLT Calmar Ratio Rank: 73
NFLT Martin Ratio Rank: 82

SPXL

SPXL Risk / Return Rank: 58
SPXL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 62
SPXL Sortino Ratio Rank: 53
SPXL Omega Ratio Rank: 55
SPXL Calmar Ratio Rank: 57
SPXL Martin Ratio Rank: 64

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.

NFLT vs. SPXL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Virtus Newfleet Multi-Sector Bond ETF (NFLT) and Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bull 3X ETF (SPXL). 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.

	NFLT	SPXL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.88	1.79	+0.09
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.79	2.25	+0.54
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.30	+0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.26	2.47	+0.79
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.29	10.16	+4.14

NFLT vs. SPXL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current NFLT Sharpe Ratio is 1.88, which is comparable to the SPXL Sharpe Ratio of 1.79. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of NFLT and SPXL, 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

NFLT vs. SPXL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NFLT drawdown since its inception was -15.17%, smaller than the maximum SPXL drawdown of -76.86%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NFLT and SPXL.

Drawdown Indicators

	NFLT	SPXL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-15.17%	-76.86%	+61.69%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.42%	-26.77%	+24.35%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-3.24%	-48.95%	+45.71%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-13.42%	-63.80%	+50.38%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-15.17%	-76.86%	+61.69%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.65%	-7.55%	+6.90%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.10%	-16.11%	+14.01%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.55%	6.49%	-5.94%

Volatility

NFLT vs. SPXL - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Virtus Newfleet Multi-Sector Bond ETF (NFLT) is 1.64%, while Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bull 3X ETF (SPXL) has a volatility of 13.20%. This indicates that NFLT experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SPXL based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	NFLT	SPXL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.64%	13.20%	-11.56%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	3.12%	28.79%	-25.67%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.20%	36.81%	-32.61%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.47%	50.44%	-45.97%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.95%	53.50%	-48.55%

NFLT vs. SPXL - Expense Ratio Comparison

NFLT has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is lower than SPXL's 0.84% expense ratio.

Dividends

NFLT vs. SPXL - Dividend Comparison

NFLT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.48%, more than SPXL's 0.56% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
NFLT Virtus Newfleet Multi-Sector Bond ETF	5.48%	5.74%	5.76%	6.02%	4.16%	3.41%	3.63%	4.33%	4.81%	6.23%	5.30%	0.67%
SPXL Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bull 3X ETF	0.56%	0.69%	0.74%	0.98%	0.32%	0.11%	0.22%	0.84%	1.02%	3.88%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NFLT and SPXL in my portfolio?

NFLT and SPXL have a correlation of 0.31, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, NFLT or SPXL?

SPXL has higher volatility (13.20%) compared to NFLT (1.64%). In terms of maximum drawdown, NFLT dropped -15.17% vs SPXL's -76.86%.

Which ETF is better, NFLT or SPXL?

On 10-year performance, SPXL leads with 29.90% vs 4.09% for NFLT. On fees, NFLT is cheaper at 0.50% per year. On volatility, NFLT has been the lower-risk option at 1.64%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, NFLT or SPXL?

Over the 10-year period, SPXL has performed better with a 29.90% return vs 4.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, NFLT or SPXL?

NFLT is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.84% for SPXL.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, NFLT or SPXL?

NFLT has the higher dividend yield at 5.48%, compared with 0.56% for SPXL.

What is the main difference between NFLT and SPXL?

NFLT is categorized as Multisector Bonds, while SPXL is Leveraged Equities. They also come from different issuers: Virtus and Direxion. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for NFLT and 0.84% for SPXL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

NFLT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.88 vs 1.79), 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.