NFXL vs. SPXS

Last updated Jul 15, 2026

NFXL (Direxion Daily NFLX Bull 2X Shares) and SPXS (Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bear 3X Shares) are both exchange-traded funds - NFXL is a Leveraged Equities fund actively managed by Direxion, while SPXS is a Inverse Equities fund tracking the S&P 500 Index (-300%). NFXL is actively managed, while SPXS is passively managed. Over the past year, NFXL returned -73.11% vs -40.98% for SPXS. At a correlation of -0.31, they often move in opposite directions. NFXL charges 1.06%/yr vs 1.08%/yr for SPXS.

Performance

NFXL vs. SPXS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Direxion Daily NFLX Bull 2X Shares (NFXL) and Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bear 3X Shares (SPXS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, NFXL achieves a -45.89% return, which is significantly lower than SPXS's -25.28% return.

NFXL

• 1D: -0.97%
• 1M: -18.12%
• 6M: -41.46%
• YTD: -45.89%
• 1Y: -73.11%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SPXS

• 1D: -1.03%
• 1M: -4.29%
• 6M: -21.61%
• YTD: -25.28%
• 1Y: -40.98%
• 3Y*: -39.81%
• 5Y*: -33.39%
• 10Y*: -41.33%

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

NFXL vs. SPXS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
NFXL Direxion Daily NFLX Bull 2X Shares	-45.89%	-11.98%	51.02%
SPXS Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bear 3X Shares	-25.28%	-41.53%	-7.31%

Correlation

The correlation between NFXL and SPXS is -0.13, 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	-0.13
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 3, 2024	-0.31

The correlation between NFXL and SPXS shifts across timeframes, from -0.31 (all time) to -0.13 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

NFXL vs. SPXS — Risk / Return Rank

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

NFXL

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

SPXS

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

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.

NFXL vs. SPXS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Direxion Daily NFLX Bull 2X Shares (NFXL) and Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bear 3X Shares (SPXS). 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.

	NFXL	SPXS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-1.07	-1.09	+0.03
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-2.07	-1.69	-0.39
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.74	0.82	-0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.97	-0.94	-0.03
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.53	-1.63	+0.10

NFXL vs. SPXS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current NFXL Sharpe Ratio is -1.07, which is comparable to the SPXS Sharpe Ratio of -1.09. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of NFXL and SPXS, 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

NFXL vs. SPXS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NFXL drawdown since its inception was -77.64%, smaller than the maximum SPXS drawdown of -100.00%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NFXL and SPXS.

Drawdown Indicators

	NFXL	SPXS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-77.64%	-100.00%	+22.36%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-75.22%	-43.64%	-31.58%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-84.13%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-90.11%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-99.56%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-76.27%	-100.00%	+23.73%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-30.79%	-96.30%	+65.51%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	47.77%	25.12%	+22.65%

Volatility

NFXL vs. SPXS - Volatility Comparison

Direxion Daily NFLX Bull 2X Shares (NFXL) has a higher volatility of 23.38% compared to Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bear 3X Shares (SPXS) at 11.89%. This indicates that NFXL's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SPXS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	NFXL	SPXS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	23.38%	11.89%	+11.49%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	53.10%	30.01%	+23.09%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	68.76%	37.64%	+31.12%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	69.57%	50.75%	+18.82%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	69.57%	53.52%	+16.05%

NFXL vs. SPXS - Expense Ratio Comparison

NFXL has a 1.06% expense ratio, which is lower than SPXS's 1.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

NFXL vs. SPXS - Dividend Comparison

NFXL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 13.18%, more than SPXS's 4.54% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
NFXL Direxion Daily NFLX Bull 2X Shares	13.18%	7.97%	0.59%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SPXS Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bear 3X Shares	4.54%	4.93%	6.18%	5.66%	0.00%	0.00%	0.51%	1.74%	0.58%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NFXL and SPXS in my portfolio?

NFXL and SPXS have a correlation of -0.13, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, NFXL or SPXS?

NFXL has higher volatility (23.38%) compared to SPXS (11.89%). In terms of maximum drawdown, NFXL dropped -77.64% vs SPXS's -100.00%.

Which ETF is better, NFXL or SPXS?

On 1-year performance, SPXS leads with -40.98% vs -73.11% for NFXL. On fees, NFXL is cheaper at 1.06% per year. On volatility, SPXS has been the lower-risk option at 11.89%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, NFXL or SPXS?

Over the 1-year period, SPXS has performed better with a -40.98% return vs -73.11%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, NFXL or SPXS?

NFXL is cheaper with a 1.06% expense ratio, compared with 1.08% for SPXS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, NFXL or SPXS?

NFXL has the higher dividend yield at 13.18%, compared with 4.54% for SPXS.

What is the main difference between NFXL and SPXS?

NFXL is categorized as Leveraged Equities, while SPXS is Inverse Equities. Their fees differ too: 1.06% for NFXL and 1.08% for SPXS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

NFXL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (-1.07 vs -1.09), 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.