NUKZ vs. DFEN

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

NUKZ (Range Nuclear Renaissance ETF) and DFEN (Direxion Daily Aerospace & Defense Bull 3X Shares) are both exchange-traded funds - NUKZ is a Energy Equities fund tracking the Range Nuclear Renaissance Index, while DFEN is a Leveraged Equities fund tracking the Dow Jones U.S. Select Aerospace & Defense Index (300%). Both are passively managed. Over the past year, NUKZ returned 27.91% vs 76.99% for DFEN. A 0.57 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. NUKZ charges 0.85%/yr vs 0.99%/yr for DFEN.

Performance

NUKZ vs. DFEN - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, NUKZ achieves a 7.57% return, which is significantly lower than DFEN's 13.12% return.

NUKZ

• 1D: 1.59%
• 1M: -5.07%
• YTD: 7.57%
• 6M: 4.81%
• 1Y: 27.91%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

DFEN

• 1D: -2.71%
• 1M: 7.74%
• YTD: 13.12%
• 6M: 20.44%
• 1Y: 76.99%
• 3Y*: 64.38%
• 5Y*: 29.22%
• 10Y*: —

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

NUKZ vs. DFEN - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
NUKZ Range Nuclear Renaissance ETF	7.57%	56.57%	60.11%
DFEN Direxion Daily Aerospace & Defense Bull 3X Shares	13.12%	156.62%	42.23%

Correlation

The correlation between NUKZ and DFEN is 0.61, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.61
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 24, 2024	0.57

The correlation between NUKZ and DFEN has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.57 to 0.61 - a consistent structural relationship.

NUKZ vs. DFEN - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	NUKZ	DFEN
Industrials	45.9%	19.7%
Utilities	35.8%	-
Energy	12.9%	-
Basic Materials	4.0%	-
Technology	1.4%	0.0%
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-

Return for Risk

NUKZ vs. DFEN — Risk / Return Rank

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

NUKZ

NUKZ Risk / Return Rank: 31
NUKZ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 29
NUKZ Sortino Ratio Rank: 30
NUKZ Omega Ratio Rank: 27
NUKZ Calmar Ratio Rank: 39
NUKZ Martin Ratio Rank: 32

DFEN

DFEN Risk / Return Rank: 38
DFEN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 37
DFEN Sortino Ratio Rank: 40
DFEN Omega Ratio Rank: 36
DFEN Calmar Ratio Rank: 42
DFEN Martin Ratio Rank: 33

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.

NUKZ vs. DFEN - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Range Nuclear Renaissance ETF (NUKZ) 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.

	NUKZ	DFEN	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.92	1.18	-0.26
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.43	1.85	-0.42
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.17	1.22	-0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.70	1.85	-0.15
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.11	4.29	-0.18

NUKZ vs. DFEN - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current NUKZ Sharpe Ratio is 0.92, which is comparable to the DFEN Sharpe Ratio of 1.18. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of NUKZ and DFEN, 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

NUKZ vs. DFEN - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NUKZ drawdown since its inception was -33.03%, smaller than the maximum DFEN drawdown of -91.36%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NUKZ and DFEN.

Drawdown Indicators

	NUKZ	DFEN	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-33.03%	-91.36%	+58.33%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.51%	-41.75%	+25.24%
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	-10.39%	-25.87%	+15.48%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.06%	-45.20%	+39.14%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.80%	17.99%	-11.19%

Volatility

NUKZ vs. DFEN - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Range Nuclear Renaissance ETF (NUKZ) is 11.24%, while Direxion Daily Aerospace & Defense Bull 3X Shares (DFEN) has a volatility of 27.31%. This indicates that NUKZ experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than DFEN based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	NUKZ	DFEN	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	11.24%	27.31%	-16.07%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	23.34%	55.81%	-32.47%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	30.46%	65.81%	-35.35%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	32.94%	60.74%	-27.80%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	32.94%	71.66%	-38.72%

NUKZ vs. DFEN - Expense Ratio Comparison

NUKZ has a 0.85% expense ratio, which is lower than DFEN's 0.99% expense ratio.

Dividends

NUKZ vs. DFEN - Dividend Comparison

NUKZ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.85%, less than DFEN's 7.89% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DFEN Direxion Daily Aerospace & Defense Bull 3X Shares	7.89%	8.89%	14.12%	1.13%	0.46%	1.89%	0.48%	0.50%	1.07%	1.50%
NUKZ Range Nuclear Renaissance ETF	0.85%	0.91%	0.09%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NUKZ and DFEN in my portfolio?

NUKZ and DFEN have a correlation of 0.61, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, NUKZ or DFEN?

DFEN has higher volatility (27.31%) compared to NUKZ (11.24%). In terms of maximum drawdown, NUKZ dropped -33.03% vs DFEN's -91.36%.

Which ETF is better, NUKZ or DFEN?

On 1-year performance, DFEN leads with 76.99% vs 27.91% for NUKZ. On fees, NUKZ is cheaper at 0.85% per year. On volatility, NUKZ has been the lower-risk option at 11.24%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, NUKZ or DFEN?

Over the 1-year period, DFEN has performed better with a 76.99% return vs 27.91%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, NUKZ or DFEN?

NUKZ is cheaper with a 0.85% expense ratio, compared with 0.99% for DFEN.

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

DFEN has the higher dividend yield at 7.89%, compared with 0.85% for NUKZ.

What is the main difference between NUKZ and DFEN?

NUKZ is categorized as Energy Equities, while DFEN is Leveraged Equities. NUKZ tracks Range Nuclear Renaissance Index, while DFEN tracks Dow Jones U.S. Select Aerospace & Defense Index (300%). They also come from different issuers: Exchange Traded Concepts and Direxion. Their fees differ too: 0.85% for NUKZ and 0.99% for DFEN.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFEN currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.18 vs 0.92), 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.