RKLX vs. SPYT

Last updated Jul 18, 2026

RKLX (Defiance Daily Target 2X Long RKLB ETF) and SPYT (Defiance S&P 500 Income Target ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - RKLX is a Leveraged Equities fund actively managed by Defiance, while SPYT is a Derivative Income fund actively managed by Defiance. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, RKLX returned -44.15% vs 16.85% for SPYT. At a 0.45 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. RKLX charges 1.29%/yr vs 0.87%/yr for SPYT.

Performance

RKLX vs. SPYT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Defiance Daily Target 2X Long RKLB ETF (RKLX) and Defiance S&P 500 Income Target ETF (SPYT). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, RKLX achieves a -53.41% return, which is significantly lower than SPYT's 8.70% return.

RKLX

• 1D: 0.54%
• 1M: -65.09%
• 6M: -74.66%
• YTD: -53.41%
• 1Y: -44.15%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SPYT

• 1D: -0.92%
• 1M: 0.86%
• 6M: 7.47%
• YTD: 8.70%
• 1Y: 16.85%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

RKLX vs. SPYT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
RKLX Defiance Daily Target 2X Long RKLB ETF	-53.41%	579.88%
SPYT Defiance S&P 500 Income Target ETF	8.70%	18.94%

Correlation

The correlation between RKLX and SPYT is 0.44, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.44
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 13, 2025	0.45

RKLX vs. SPYT - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	RKLX	SPYT
Industrials	100.0%	7.9%
Basic Materials	-	1.7%
Communication Services	-	10.8%
Consumer Cyclical	-	10.0%
Consumer Defensive	-	4.6%
Energy	-	3.2%
Financial Services	-	11.0%
Healthcare	-	8.4%
Real Estate	-	1.8%
Technology	-	38.4%
Utilities	-	2.1%

Return for Risk

RKLX vs. SPYT — Risk / Return Rank

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

RKLX

RKLX Risk / Return Rank: 12
RKLX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 8
RKLX Sortino Ratio Rank: 21
RKLX Omega Ratio Rank: 20
RKLX Calmar Ratio Rank: 5
RKLX Martin Ratio Rank: 5

SPYT

SPYT Risk / Return Rank: 56
SPYT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 54
SPYT Sortino Ratio Rank: 51
SPYT Omega Ratio Rank: 58
SPYT Calmar Ratio Rank: 52
SPYT Martin Ratio Rank: 66

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.

RKLX vs. SPYT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Defiance Daily Target 2X Long RKLB ETF (RKLX) and Defiance S&P 500 Income Target ETF (SPYT). 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.

	RKLX	SPYT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.23	1.47	-1.70
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.93	2.05	-1.12
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.11	1.29	-0.18
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.53	2.12	-2.64
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.03	9.17	-10.20

RKLX vs. SPYT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current RKLX Sharpe Ratio is -0.23, which is lower than the SPYT Sharpe Ratio of 1.47. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of RKLX and SPYT, 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

RKLX vs. SPYT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RKLX drawdown since its inception was -83.78%, which is greater than SPYT's maximum drawdown of -18.25%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RKLX and SPYT.

Drawdown Indicators

	RKLX	SPYT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-83.78%	-18.25%	-65.53%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-83.78%	-8.00%	-75.78%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-83.69%	-1.58%	-82.11%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-29.23%	-1.98%	-27.25%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	42.84%	1.84%	+41.00%

Volatility

RKLX vs. SPYT - Volatility Comparison

Defiance Daily Target 2X Long RKLB ETF (RKLX) has a higher volatility of 57.72% compared to Defiance S&P 500 Income Target ETF (SPYT) at 3.09%. This indicates that RKLX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SPYT based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	RKLX	SPYT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	57.72%	3.09%	+54.63%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	144.64%	9.35%	+135.29%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	189.17%	11.53%	+177.64%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	184.57%	14.76%	+169.81%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	184.57%	14.76%	+169.81%

RKLX vs. SPYT - Expense Ratio Comparison

RKLX has a 1.29% expense ratio, which is higher than SPYT's 0.87% expense ratio.

Dividends

RKLX vs. SPYT - Dividend Comparison

RKLX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 32.07%, more than SPYT's 21.17% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
RKLX Defiance Daily Target 2X Long RKLB ETF	32.07%	14.94%	0.00%
SPYT Defiance S&P 500 Income Target ETF	21.17%	21.40%	17.37%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both RKLX and SPYT in my portfolio?

RKLX and SPYT have a correlation of 0.44, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, RKLX or SPYT?

RKLX has higher volatility (57.72%) compared to SPYT (3.09%). In terms of maximum drawdown, RKLX dropped -83.78% vs SPYT's -18.25%.

Which ETF is better, RKLX or SPYT?

On 1-year performance, SPYT leads with 16.85% vs -44.15% for RKLX. On fees, SPYT is cheaper at 0.87% per year. On volatility, SPYT has been the lower-risk option at 3.09%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, RKLX or SPYT?

Over the 1-year period, SPYT has performed better with a 16.85% return vs -44.15%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, RKLX or SPYT?

SPYT is cheaper with a 0.87% expense ratio, compared with 1.29% for RKLX.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, RKLX or SPYT?

RKLX has the higher dividend yield at 32.07%, compared with 21.17% for SPYT.

What is the main difference between RKLX and SPYT?

RKLX is categorized as Leveraged Equities, while SPYT is Derivative Income. Their fees differ too: 1.29% for RKLX and 0.87% for SPYT.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SPYT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.47 vs -0.23), 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.