RIOX vs. SOXL

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

RIOX (Defiance Daily Target 2X Long RIOT ETF) and SOXL (Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bull 3X ETF) are both Leveraged Equities funds. RIOX is actively managed, while SOXL is passively managed. Over the past year, RIOX returned 157.33% vs 873.79% for SOXL. A 0.58 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. RIOX charges 0.95%/yr vs 0.75%/yr for SOXL.

Performance

RIOX vs. SOXL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Defiance Daily Target 2X Long RIOT ETF (RIOX) and Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bull 3X ETF (SOXL). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, RIOX achieves a 135.89% return, which is significantly lower than SOXL's 334.31% return.

RIOX

• 1D: -20.99%
• 1M: 1.77%
• YTD: 135.89%
• 6M: 52.58%
• 1Y: 157.33%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SOXL

• 1D: -30.51%
• 1M: 10.06%
• YTD: 334.31%
• 6M: 292.56%
• 1Y: 873.79%
• 3Y*: 104.66%
• 5Y*: 36.47%
• 10Y*: 58.09%

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

RIOX vs. SOXL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
RIOX Defiance Daily Target 2X Long RIOT ETF	135.89%	-60.36%
SOXL Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bull 3X ETF	334.31%	41.87%

Correlation

The correlation between RIOX and SOXL is 0.54, 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	0.54
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 6, 2025	0.58

The correlation between RIOX and SOXL has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.54 to 0.58 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

RIOX vs. SOXL — Risk / Return Rank

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

RIOX

RIOX Risk / Return Rank: 37
RIOX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 28
RIOX Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
RIOX Omega Ratio Rank: 44
RIOX Calmar Ratio Rank: 41
RIOX Martin Ratio Rank: 25

SOXL

SOXL Risk / Return Rank: 95
SOXL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 99
SOXL Sortino Ratio Rank: 90
SOXL Omega Ratio Rank: 91
SOXL Calmar Ratio Rank: 99
SOXL Martin Ratio Rank: 98

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.

RIOX vs. SOXL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Defiance Daily Target 2X Long RIOT ETF (RIOX) and Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bull 3X ETF (SOXL). 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.

	RIOX	SOXL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.94	8.26	-7.32
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.18	4.08	-1.90
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.59	-0.32
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.88	20.30	-18.43
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.12	68.57	-65.45
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

RIOX vs. SOXL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current RIOX Sharpe Ratio is 0.94, which is lower than the SOXL Sharpe Ratio of 8.26. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of RIOX and SOXL, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	RIOX	SOXL	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.94	8.26	-7.32
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.34	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.59	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	-0.03	0.47	-0.50

Drawdowns

RIOX vs. SOXL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RIOX drawdown since its inception was -84.40%, smaller than the maximum SOXL drawdown of -90.46%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RIOX and SOXL.

Drawdown Indicators

	RIOX	SOXL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-84.40%	-90.46%	+6.06%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-84.40%	-43.47%	-40.93%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-87.88%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-90.46%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-90.46%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-43.36%	-34.93%	-8.43%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-52.49%	-35.01%	-17.48%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	50.67%	12.85%	+37.82%

Volatility

RIOX vs. SOXL - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Defiance Daily Target 2X Long RIOT ETF (RIOX) is 37.03%, while Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bull 3X ETF (SOXL) has a volatility of 55.19%. This indicates that RIOX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SOXL based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	RIOX	SOXL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	37.03%	55.19%	-18.16%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	123.63%	89.77%	+33.86%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	169.32%	106.94%	+62.38%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	168.45%	108.10%	+60.35%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	168.45%	99.53%	+68.92%

RIOX vs. SOXL - Expense Ratio Comparison

RIOX has a 0.95% expense ratio, which is higher than SOXL's 0.75% expense ratio.

Dividends

RIOX vs. SOXL - Dividend Comparison

RIOX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 25.76%, more than SOXL's 0.04% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
RIOX Defiance Daily Target 2X Long RIOT ETF	25.76%	60.76%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SOXL Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bull 3X ETF	0.04%	0.34%	1.18%	0.51%	1.07%	0.04%	0.05%	0.38%	1.30%	0.09%	4.84%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both RIOX and SOXL in my portfolio?

RIOX and SOXL have a correlation of 0.54, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, RIOX or SOXL?

SOXL has higher volatility (55.19%) compared to RIOX (37.03%). In terms of maximum drawdown, RIOX dropped -84.40% vs SOXL's -90.46%.

Which ETF is better, RIOX or SOXL?

On 1-year performance, SOXL leads with 873.79% vs 157.33% for RIOX. On fees, SOXL is cheaper at 0.75% per year. On volatility, RIOX has been the lower-risk option at 37.03%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, RIOX or SOXL?

Over the 1-year period, SOXL has performed better with a 873.79% return vs 157.33%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, RIOX or SOXL?

SOXL is cheaper with a 0.75% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for RIOX.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, RIOX or SOXL?

RIOX has the higher dividend yield at 25.76%, compared with 0.04% for SOXL.

What is the main difference between RIOX and SOXL?

They also come from different issuers: Defiance and Direxion. Their fees differ too: 0.95% for RIOX and 0.75% for SOXL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SOXL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (8.26 vs 0.94), 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.