RIOX vs. SPUU

Last updated Jul 12, 2026

RIOX (Defiance Daily Target 2X Long RIOT ETF) and SPUU (Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bull 2X ETF) are both Leveraged Equities funds. RIOX is actively managed, while SPUU is passively managed. Over the past year, RIOX returned -4.51% vs 40.22% for SPUU. A 0.60 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. RIOX charges 0.95%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for SPUU.

Performance

RIOX vs. SPUU - 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 S&P 500 Bull 2X ETF (SPUU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, RIOX achieves a 56.03% return, which is significantly higher than SPUU's 19.67% return.

RIOX

• 1D: -5.15%
• 1M: -40.16%
• 6M: 8.91%
• YTD: 56.03%
• 1Y: -4.51%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SPUU

• 1D: 0.89%
• 1M: 4.80%
• 6M: 15.49%
• YTD: 19.67%
• 1Y: 40.22%
• 3Y*: 35.03%
• 5Y*: 18.61%
• 10Y*: 24.16%

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

RIOX vs. SPUU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
RIOX Defiance Daily Target 2X Long RIOT ETF	56.03%	-47.32%
SPUU Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bull 2X ETF	19.67%	27.34%

Correlation

The correlation between RIOX and SPUU is 0.55, 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	0.55
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 3, 2025	0.60

The correlation between RIOX and SPUU has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.55 to 0.60 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

RIOX vs. SPUU — Risk / Return Rank

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

RIOX

RIOX Risk / Return Rank: 15
RIOX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 9
RIOX Sortino Ratio Rank: 26
RIOX Omega Ratio Rank: 25
RIOX Calmar Ratio Rank: 8
RIOX Martin Ratio Rank: 9

SPUU

SPUU Risk / Return Rank: 56
SPUU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 58
SPUU Sortino Ratio Rank: 53
SPUU Omega Ratio Rank: 54
SPUU Calmar Ratio Rank: 54
SPUU Martin Ratio Rank: 63

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. SPUU - 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 S&P 500 Bull 2X ETF (SPUU). 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.

	RIOX	SPUU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.04	1.56	-1.61
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.20	2.10	-0.90
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.14	1.27	-0.13
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.09	2.17	-2.25
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.14	8.99	-9.12

RIOX vs. SPUU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current RIOX Sharpe Ratio is -0.04, which is lower than the SPUU Sharpe Ratio of 1.56. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of RIOX and SPUU, 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

RIOX vs. SPUU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RIOX drawdown since its inception was -84.40%, which is greater than SPUU's maximum drawdown of -59.35%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RIOX and SPUU.

Drawdown Indicators

	RIOX	SPUU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-84.40%	-59.35%	-25.05%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-84.40%	-18.19%	-66.21%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-35.18%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-46.59%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-59.35%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-62.53%	-1.40%	-61.13%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-51.64%	-9.46%	-42.18%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	52.20%	4.38%	+47.82%

Volatility

RIOX vs. SPUU - Volatility Comparison

Defiance Daily Target 2X Long RIOT ETF (RIOX) has a higher volatility of 44.93% compared to Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bull 2X ETF (SPUU) at 8.62%. This indicates that RIOX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SPUU based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	RIOX	SPUU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	44.93%	8.62%	+36.31%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	123.96%	20.06%	+103.90%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	169.28%	25.21%	+144.07%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	168.91%	33.67%	+135.24%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	168.91%	35.74%	+133.17%

RIOX vs. SPUU - Expense Ratio Comparison

RIOX has a 0.95% expense ratio, which is higher than SPUU's 0.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

RIOX vs. SPUU - Dividend Comparison

RIOX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 38.94%, more than SPUU's 1.31% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
RIOX Defiance Daily Target 2X Long RIOT ETF	38.94%	60.76%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SPUU Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bull 2X ETF	1.31%	1.63%	0.55%	0.83%	0.88%	3.04%	8.03%	1.80%	5.50%	6.96%	8.08%	4.42%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both RIOX and SPUU in my portfolio?

RIOX and SPUU 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, RIOX or SPUU?

RIOX has higher volatility (44.93%) compared to SPUU (8.62%). In terms of maximum drawdown, RIOX dropped -84.40% vs SPUU's -59.35%.

Which ETF is better, RIOX or SPUU?

On 1-year performance, SPUU leads with 40.22% vs -4.51% for RIOX. On fees, SPUU is cheaper at 0.60% per year. On volatility, SPUU has been the lower-risk option at 8.62%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, RIOX or SPUU?

Over the 1-year period, SPUU has performed better with a 40.22% return vs -4.51%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, RIOX or SPUU?

SPUU is cheaper with a 0.60% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for RIOX.

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

RIOX has the higher dividend yield at 38.94%, compared with 1.31% for SPUU.

What is the main difference between RIOX and SPUU?

They also come from different issuers: Defiance and Direxion. Their fees differ too: 0.95% for RIOX and 0.60% for SPUU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SPUU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.56 vs -0.04), 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.