QCMD vs. SPXL

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

QCMD (Direxion Daily QCOM Bear 1X Shares) and SPXL (Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bull 3X ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - QCMD is a Inverse Equities fund actively managed by Direxion, while SPXL is a Leveraged Equities fund tracking the S&P 500. QCMD is actively managed, while SPXL is passively managed. Over the past year, QCMD returned -27.53% vs 55.18% for SPXL. At a correlation of -0.54, they often move in opposite directions. QCMD charges 1.00%/yr vs 0.84%/yr for SPXL.

Performance

QCMD vs. SPXL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Direxion Daily QCOM Bear 1X Shares (QCMD) 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, QCMD achieves a -16.73% return, which is significantly lower than SPXL's 24.85% return.

QCMD

• 1D: 4.36%
• 1M: 23.57%
• 6M: -21.30%
• YTD: -16.73%
• 1Y: -27.53%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SPXL

• 1D: -1.60%
• 1M: -0.19%
• 6M: 19.87%
• YTD: 24.85%
• 1Y: 55.18%
• 3Y*: 44.11%
• 5Y*: 21.24%
• 10Y*: 28.72%

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

QCMD vs. SPXL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
QCMD Direxion Daily QCOM Bear 1X Shares	-16.73%	-11.76%
SPXL Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bull 3X ETF	24.85%	34.42%

Correlation

The correlation between QCMD and SPXL is -0.55, 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	-0.55
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 25, 2025	-0.54

The correlation between QCMD and SPXL has been stable across timeframes, ranging from -0.55 to -0.54 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

QCMD vs. SPXL — Risk / Return Rank

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

QCMD

QCMD Risk / Return Rank: 5
QCMD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 5
QCMD Sortino Ratio Rank: 6
QCMD Omega Ratio Rank: 5
QCMD Calmar Ratio Rank: 5
QCMD Martin Ratio Rank: 4

SPXL

SPXL Risk / Return Rank: 52
SPXL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 53
SPXL Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
SPXL Omega Ratio Rank: 49
SPXL Calmar Ratio Rank: 50
SPXL Martin Ratio Rank: 58

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.

QCMD vs. SPXL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Direxion Daily QCOM Bear 1X Shares (QCMD) 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.

	QCMD	SPXL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.53	1.47	-2.00
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.49	1.97	-2.46
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.93	1.26	-0.32
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.49	2.07	-2.56
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.15	8.18	-9.33

QCMD vs. SPXL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current QCMD Sharpe Ratio is -0.53, which is lower than the SPXL Sharpe Ratio of 1.47. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of QCMD 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

QCMD vs. SPXL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QCMD drawdown since its inception was -56.03%, smaller than the maximum SPXL drawdown of -76.86%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QCMD and SPXL.

Drawdown Indicators

	QCMD	SPXL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-56.03%	-76.86%	+20.83%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-56.03%	-26.77%	-29.26%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-48.95%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-63.80%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-76.86%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-38.81%	-4.60%	-34.21%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-16.72%	-16.06%	-0.66%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	23.88%	6.77%	+17.11%

Volatility

QCMD vs. SPXL - Volatility Comparison

Direxion Daily QCOM Bear 1X Shares (QCMD) has a higher volatility of 16.74% compared to Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bull 3X ETF (SPXL) at 10.79%. This indicates that QCMD's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SPXL based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	QCMD	SPXL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	16.74%	10.79%	+5.95%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	46.46%	30.09%	+16.37%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	51.82%	37.68%	+14.14%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	50.60%	50.59%	+0.01%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	50.60%	53.38%	-2.78%

QCMD vs. SPXL - Expense Ratio Comparison

QCMD has a 1.00% expense ratio, which is higher than SPXL's 0.84% expense ratio.

Dividends

QCMD vs. SPXL - Dividend Comparison

QCMD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.59%, more than SPXL's 0.52% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
QCMD Direxion Daily QCOM Bear 1X Shares	3.59%	1.77%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SPXL Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bull 3X ETF	0.52%	0.69%	0.74%	0.98%	0.32%	0.11%	0.22%	0.84%	1.02%	3.88%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both QCMD and SPXL in my portfolio?

QCMD and SPXL have a correlation of -0.55, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, QCMD or SPXL?

QCMD has higher volatility (16.74%) compared to SPXL (10.79%). In terms of maximum drawdown, QCMD dropped -56.03% vs SPXL's -76.86%.

Which ETF is better, QCMD or SPXL?

On 1-year performance, SPXL leads with 55.18% vs -27.53% for QCMD. On fees, SPXL is cheaper at 0.84% per year. On volatility, SPXL has been the lower-risk option at 10.79%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, QCMD or SPXL?

Over the 1-year period, SPXL has performed better with a 55.18% return vs -27.53%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, QCMD or SPXL?

SPXL is cheaper with a 0.84% expense ratio, compared with 1.00% for QCMD.

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

QCMD has the higher dividend yield at 3.59%, compared with 0.52% for SPXL.

What is the main difference between QCMD and SPXL?

QCMD is categorized as Inverse Equities, while SPXL is Leveraged Equities. Their fees differ too: 1.00% for QCMD and 0.84% for SPXL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SPXL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.47 vs -0.53), 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.