RETL vs. FLYU

Last updated Jul 22, 2026

RETL (Direxion Daily Retail Bull 3X Shares) and FLYU (MicroSectors Travel 3X Leveraged ETNs) are both Leveraged Equities funds - RETL tracks the Russell 1000 Retail Index (300%) while FLYU tracks the MerQube MicroSectors U.S. Travel Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, RETL returned 7.18%/yr vs -1.34%/yr for FLYU. A 0.71 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. RETL charges 0.99%/yr vs 0.95%/yr for FLYU.

Performance

RETL vs. FLYU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Direxion Daily Retail Bull 3X Shares (RETL) and MicroSectors Travel 3X Leveraged ETNs (FLYU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, RETL achieves a 0.69% return, which is significantly higher than FLYU's -17.85% return.

RETL

• 1D: -1.39%
• 1M: 6.66%
• 6M: -9.95%
• YTD: 0.69%
• 1Y: 8.84%
• 3Y*: 7.18%
• 5Y*: -26.39%
• 10Y*: -5.07%
• ALL TIME*: 14.64%

FLYU

• 1D: 0.11%
• 1M: -9.91%
• 6M: -9.30%
• YTD: -17.85%
• 1Y: -22.80%
• 3Y*: -1.34%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 15.87%

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

RETL vs. FLYU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
RETL Direxion Daily Retail Bull 3X Shares	0.69%	-5.98%	9.59%	33.62%	-20.53%
FLYU MicroSectors Travel 3X Leveraged ETNs	-17.85%	-2.29%	33.00%	111.16%	-19.09%

Correlation

The correlation between RETL and FLYU is 0.67, 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	0.67
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.67
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 22, 2022	0.71

The correlation between RETL and FLYU has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.67 to 0.71 - a consistent structural relationship.

RETL vs. FLYU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	RETL	FLYU
Consumer Cyclical	75.2%	52.6%
Consumer Defensive	18.7%	-
Technology	2.7%	16.4%
Communication Services	1.8%	13.2%
Healthcare	1.6%	-
Energy	0.3%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Industrials	-	17.7%
Real Estate	-	0.1%
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

RETL vs. FLYU — Risk / Return Rank

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

RETL

RETL Risk / Return Rank: 15
RETL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 13
RETL Sortino Ratio Rank: 18
RETL Omega Ratio Rank: 16
RETL Calmar Ratio Rank: 14
RETL Martin Ratio Rank: 13

FLYU

FLYU Risk / Return Rank: 7
FLYU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 7
FLYU Sortino Ratio Rank: 9
FLYU Omega Ratio Rank: 9
FLYU Calmar Ratio Rank: 6
FLYU Martin Ratio Rank: 6

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. FLYU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Direxion Daily Retail Bull 3X Shares (RETL) and MicroSectors Travel 3X Leveraged ETNs (FLYU). 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	FLYU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.15	-0.31	+0.45
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.67	0.03	+0.64
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.07	1.00	+0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.23	-0.44	+0.67
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.46	-0.88	+1.34

RETL vs. FLYU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current RETL Sharpe Ratio is 0.15, which is higher than the FLYU Sharpe Ratio of -0.31. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of RETL and FLYU, 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. FLYU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RETL drawdown since its inception was -92.00%, which is greater than FLYU's maximum drawdown of -69.00%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RETL and FLYU.

Drawdown Indicators

	RETL	FLYU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-92.00%	-69.00%	-23.00%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-38.08%	-52.33%	+14.25%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-62.72%	-69.00%	+6.28%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-92.00%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-92.00%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-82.71%	-34.84%	-47.87%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-37.90%	-26.59%	-11.31%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	19.41%	25.94%	-6.53%

Volatility

RETL vs. FLYU - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Direxion Daily Retail Bull 3X Shares (RETL) is 14.91%, while MicroSectors Travel 3X Leveraged ETNs (FLYU) has a volatility of 17.61%. This indicates that RETL experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FLYU based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	RETL	FLYU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	14.91%	17.61%	-2.70%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	43.05%	61.02%	-17.97%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	61.10%	74.53%	-13.43%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	79.29%	82.89%	-3.60%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	79.96%	82.89%	-2.93%

RETL vs. FLYU - Expense Ratio Comparison

RETL has a 0.99% expense ratio, which is higher than FLYU's 0.95% expense ratio.

Dividends

RETL vs. FLYU - Dividend Comparison

RETL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.50%, while FLYU has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
FLYU MicroSectors Travel 3X Leveraged ETNs	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
RETL Direxion Daily Retail Bull 3X Shares	0.50%	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 FLYU in my portfolio?

RETL and FLYU have a correlation of 0.67, 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 FLYU?

FLYU has higher volatility (17.61%) compared to RETL (14.91%). In terms of maximum drawdown, RETL dropped -92.00% vs FLYU's -69.00%.

Which ETF is better, RETL or FLYU?

On 3-year performance, RETL leads with 7.18% vs -1.34% for FLYU. On fees, FLYU is cheaper at 0.95% per year. On volatility, RETL has been the lower-risk option at 14.91%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, RETL or FLYU?

Over the 3-year period, RETL has performed better with a 7.18% return vs -1.34%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, RETL or FLYU?

FLYU is cheaper with a 0.95% expense ratio, compared with 0.99% for RETL.

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

RETL has the higher dividend yield at 0.50%, compared with 0.00% for FLYU.

What is the main difference between RETL and FLYU?

RETL tracks Russell 1000 Retail Index (300%), while FLYU tracks MerQube MicroSectors U.S. Travel Index. They also come from different issuers: Direxion and REX. Their fees differ too: 0.99% for RETL and 0.95% for FLYU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

RETL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.15 vs -0.31), 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.