RETL vs. DRN

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

RETL (Direxion Daily Retail Bull 3X Shares) and DRN (Direxion Daily Real Estate Bull 3x Shares) are both exchange-traded funds - RETL is a Leveraged Equities fund tracking the Russell 1000 Retail Index (300%), while DRN is a REIT fund tracking the MSCI US REIT Index (300%). Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, RETL returned -3.60%/yr vs -3.96%/yr for DRN. At a 0.48 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. Both charge a 0.99% expense ratio.

Performance

RETL vs. DRN - 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 Real Estate Bull 3x Shares (DRN). 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 DRN's 34.24% return. Over the past 10 years, RETL has outperformed DRN with an annualized return of -3.60%, while DRN has yielded a comparatively lower -3.96% annualized return.

RETL

• 1D: 0.11%
• 1M: 30.06%
• YTD: -0.70%
• 6M: -9.36%
• 1Y: 19.94%
• 3Y*: 10.78%
• 5Y*: -27.38%
• 10Y*: -3.60%

DRN

• 1D: 2.62%
• 1M: 6.26%
• YTD: 34.24%
• 6M: 33.93%
• 1Y: 16.41%
• 3Y*: 10.01%
• 5Y*: -10.77%
• 10Y*: -3.96%

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

RETL vs. DRN - 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%	-1.31%
DRN Direxion Daily Real Estate Bull 3x Shares	34.24%	-11.24%	-5.29%	12.03%	-67.26%	152.94%	-55.37%	81.86%	-25.11%	7.50%

Correlation

The correlation between RETL and DRN is 0.45, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.45
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.50
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.53
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.47
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 14, 2010	0.48

The correlation between RETL and DRN has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.45 to 0.53 - a consistent structural relationship.

RETL vs. DRN - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	RETL	DRN
Consumer Cyclical	14.0%	-
Consumer Defensive	3.9%	-
Communication Services	0.3%	-
Technology	0.3%	-
Healthcare	0.3%	-
Energy	0.3%	-
Basic Materials	-	0.4%
Financial Services	-	-
Industrials	-	-
Real Estate	-	19.8%
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

RETL vs. DRN — 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

DRN

DRN Risk / Return Rank: 17
DRN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 16
DRN Sortino Ratio Rank: 17
DRN Omega Ratio Rank: 17
DRN Calmar Ratio Rank: 19
DRN Martin Ratio Rank: 17

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. DRN - 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 Real Estate Bull 3x Shares (DRN). 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	DRN	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.33	0.40	-0.07
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.92	0.81	+0.11
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.10	1.10	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.53	0.68	-0.15
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.08	1.51	-0.43

RETL vs. DRN - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current RETL Sharpe Ratio is 0.33, which is comparable to the DRN Sharpe Ratio of 0.40. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of RETL and DRN, 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. DRN - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RETL drawdown since its inception was -92.00%, which is greater than DRN's maximum drawdown of -86.32%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RETL and DRN.

Drawdown Indicators

	RETL	DRN	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-92.00%	-86.32%	-5.68%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-38.08%	-24.28%	-13.80%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-62.72%	-48.26%	-14.46%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-92.00%	-80.58%	-11.42%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-92.00%	-86.32%	-5.68%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-82.95%	-61.73%	-21.22%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-37.62%	-35.11%	-2.51%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	18.57%	10.92%	+7.65%

Volatility

RETL vs. DRN - Volatility Comparison

Direxion Daily Retail Bull 3X Shares (RETL) has a higher volatility of 16.60% compared to Direxion Daily Real Estate Bull 3x Shares (DRN) at 14.29%. This indicates that RETL's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than DRN based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	RETL	DRN	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	16.60%	14.29%	+2.31%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	40.99%	30.42%	+10.57%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	60.71%	41.19%	+19.52%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	79.51%	56.78%	+22.73%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	79.80%	60.68%	+19.12%

RETL vs. DRN - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

RETL vs. DRN - Dividend Comparison

RETL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.51%, less than DRN's 1.98% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
DRN Direxion Daily Real Estate Bull 3x Shares	1.98%	2.81%	2.24%	2.84%	2.70%	4.21%	1.90%	2.59%	3.11%	0.91%	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 DRN in my portfolio?

RETL and DRN have a correlation of 0.45, 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 DRN?

RETL has higher volatility (16.60%) compared to DRN (14.29%). In terms of maximum drawdown, RETL dropped -92.00% vs DRN's -86.32%.

Which ETF is better, RETL or DRN?

On 10-year performance, RETL leads with -3.60% vs -3.96% for DRN. Both ETFs have the same 0.99% expense ratio. On volatility, DRN has been the lower-risk option at 14.29%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, RETL or DRN?

Over the 10-year period, RETL has performed better with a -3.60% return vs -3.96%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, RETL or DRN?

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

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

DRN has the higher dividend yield at 1.98%, compared with 0.51% for RETL.

What is the main difference between RETL and DRN?

RETL is categorized as Leveraged Equities, while DRN is REIT. RETL tracks Russell 1000 Retail Index (300%), while DRN tracks MSCI US REIT Index (300%).

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DRN currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.40 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.