RETL vs. DFEN

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

RETL (Direxion Daily Retail Bull 3X Shares) and DFEN (Direxion Daily Aerospace & Defense Bull 3X Shares) are both Leveraged Equities funds from Direxion - RETL tracks the Russell 1000 Retail Index (300%) while DFEN tracks the Dow Jones U.S. Select Aerospace & Defense Index (300%). Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, RETL returned -27.38%/yr vs 29.22%/yr for DFEN. A 0.54 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. Both charge a 0.99% expense ratio.

Performance

RETL vs. DFEN - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Direxion Daily Retail Bull 3X Shares (RETL) 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, RETL achieves a -0.70% return, which is significantly lower than DFEN's 13.12% return.

RETL

• 1D: 0.11%
• 1M: 33.48%
• YTD: -0.70%
• 6M: -9.36%
• 1Y: 29.22%
• 3Y*: 10.78%
• 5Y*: -27.38%
• 10Y*: -3.60%

DFEN

• 1D: -2.71%
• 1M: 21.79%
• YTD: 13.12%
• 6M: 20.44%
• 1Y: 75.01%
• 3Y*: 64.38%
• 5Y*: 29.22%
• 10Y*: —

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

RETL vs. DFEN - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
RETL Direxion Daily Retail Bull 3X Shares	-0.70%	-5.98%	9.59%	33.62%	-80.80%	101.03%	63.63%	23.41%	-35.21%	7.59%
DFEN Direxion Daily Aerospace & Defense Bull 3X Shares	13.12%	156.62%	27.07%	24.70%	6.99%	12.72%	-70.23%	95.09%	-32.86%	83.64%

Correlation

The correlation between RETL and DFEN is 0.39, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.39
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.46
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.55
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 3, 2017	0.54

The correlation between RETL and DFEN shifts across timeframes, from 0.39 (1 year) to 0.55 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

RETL vs. DFEN - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	RETL	DFEN
Consumer Cyclical	14.3%	-
Consumer Defensive	3.9%	-
Energy	0.3%	-
Technology	0.3%	0.0%
Communication Services	0.3%	-
Healthcare	0.3%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Industrials	-	20.4%
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

RETL vs. DFEN — Risk / Return Rank

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

RETL

RETL Risk / Return Rank: 17
RETL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 15
RETL Sortino Ratio Rank: 19
RETL Omega Ratio Rank: 18
RETL Calmar Ratio Rank: 16
RETL Martin Ratio Rank: 15

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.

RETL vs. DFEN - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Direxion Daily Retail Bull 3X Shares (RETL) 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.

	RETL	DFEN	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.33	1.18	-0.85
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.92	1.85	-0.94
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.10	1.22	-0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.53	1.85	-1.33
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.08	4.29	-3.22

RETL vs. DFEN - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current RETL Sharpe Ratio is 0.33, which is lower than the DFEN Sharpe Ratio of 1.18. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of RETL 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

RETL vs. DFEN - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RETL drawdown since its inception was -92.00%, roughly equal to the maximum DFEN drawdown of -91.36%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RETL and DFEN.

Drawdown Indicators

	RETL	DFEN	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-92.00%	-91.36%	-0.64%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-38.08%	-41.75%	+3.67%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-62.72%	-43.13%	-19.59%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-92.00%	-55.30%	-36.70%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-92.00%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-82.95%	-25.87%	-57.08%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-37.62%	-45.20%	+7.58%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	18.57%	17.99%	+0.58%

Volatility

RETL vs. DFEN - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Direxion Daily Retail Bull 3X Shares (RETL) is 16.60%, while Direxion Daily Aerospace & Defense Bull 3X Shares (DFEN) has a volatility of 27.31%. This indicates that RETL 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

	RETL	DFEN	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	16.60%	27.31%	-10.71%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	40.99%	55.81%	-14.82%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	60.71%	65.81%	-5.10%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	79.51%	60.74%	+18.77%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	79.80%	71.66%	+8.14%

RETL vs. DFEN - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both RETL and DFEN have an expense ratio of 0.99%.

Dividends

RETL vs. DFEN - Dividend Comparison

RETL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.51%, less than DFEN's 7.89% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
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%	0.00%
RETL Direxion Daily Retail Bull 3X Shares	0.51%	0.58%	1.13%	1.35%	0.71%	0.22%	0.19%	0.92%	1.19%	0.01%	2.60%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both RETL and DFEN in my portfolio?

RETL and DFEN have a correlation of 0.39, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, RETL or DFEN?

DFEN has higher volatility (27.31%) compared to RETL (16.60%). In terms of maximum drawdown, RETL dropped -92.00% vs DFEN's -91.36%.

Which ETF is better, RETL or DFEN?

On 5-year performance, DFEN leads with 29.22% vs -27.38% for RETL. Both ETFs have the same 0.99% expense ratio. On volatility, RETL has been the lower-risk option at 16.60%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, RETL or DFEN?

Over the 5-year period, DFEN has performed better with a 29.22% return vs -27.38%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, RETL or DFEN?

RETL and DFEN have the same expense ratio: 0.99% per year.

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

DFEN has the higher dividend yield at 7.89%, compared with 0.51% for RETL.

What is the main difference between RETL and DFEN?

RETL tracks Russell 1000 Retail Index (300%), while DFEN tracks Dow Jones U.S. Select Aerospace & Defense Index (300%).

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFEN currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.18 vs 0.33), 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.