RKLZ vs. SPXU

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

RKLZ (Defiance Daily Target 2X Short RKLB ETF) and SPXU (ProShares UltraPro Short S&P500) are both exchange-traded funds - RKLZ is a Inverse Equities fund actively managed by Defiance, while SPXU is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Index (-300%). RKLZ is actively managed, while SPXU is passively managed. A 0.51 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. RKLZ charges 1.29%/yr vs 0.90%/yr for SPXU.

Performance

RKLZ vs. SPXU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Defiance Daily Target 2X Short RKLB ETF (RKLZ) and ProShares UltraPro Short S&P500 (SPXU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, RKLZ achieves a -89.18% return, which is significantly lower than SPXU's -20.11% return.

RKLZ

• 1D: 10.97%
• 1M: 137.97%
• YTD: -89.18%
• 6M: -87.03%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SPXU

• 1D: -0.13%
• 1M: 6.06%
• YTD: -20.11%
• 6M: -16.93%
• 1Y: -41.94%
• 3Y*: -41.09%
• 5Y*: -33.39%
• 10Y*: -42.30%

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

RKLZ vs. SPXU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
RKLZ Defiance Daily Target 2X Short RKLB ETF	-89.18%	-75.89%
SPXU ProShares UltraPro Short S&P500	-20.11%	-6.93%

Correlation

The correlation between RKLZ and SPXU is 0.51, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 18, 2025	0.51

Return for Risk

RKLZ vs. SPXU — Risk / Return Rank

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

RKLZ

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

SPXU

SPXU Risk / Return Rank: 1
SPXU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 1
SPXU Sortino Ratio Rank: 1
SPXU Omega Ratio Rank: 1
SPXU Calmar Ratio Rank: 1
SPXU Martin Ratio Rank: 1

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.

RKLZ vs. SPXU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Defiance Daily Target 2X Short RKLB ETF (RKLZ) and ProShares UltraPro Short S&P500 (SPXU). 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.

	RKLZ	SPXU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	-1.13	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	-1.78	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	0.81	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	-0.92	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	-1.62	—

Drawdowns

RKLZ vs. SPXU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RKLZ drawdown since its inception was -99.10%, roughly equal to the maximum SPXU drawdown of -99.99%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RKLZ and SPXU.

Drawdown Indicators

	RKLZ	SPXU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-99.10%	-99.99%	+0.89%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-45.75%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-84.36%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-90.23%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-99.61%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-97.63%	-99.99%	+2.36%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-81.58%	-93.34%	+11.76%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	27.46%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	RKLZ	SPXU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	14.10%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	29.39%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	207.29%	37.12%	+170.17%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	207.29%	50.62%	+156.67%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	207.29%	53.41%	+153.88%

RKLZ vs. SPXU - Expense Ratio Comparison

RKLZ has a 1.29% expense ratio, which is higher than SPXU's 0.90% expense ratio.

Dividends

RKLZ vs. SPXU - Dividend Comparison

RKLZ has not paid dividends to shareholders, while SPXU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.49%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
RKLZ Defiance Daily Target 2X Short RKLB ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SPXU ProShares UltraPro Short S&P500	6.49%	7.02%	9.53%	7.06%	0.39%	0.00%	0.70%	2.14%	1.41%	0.10%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both RKLZ and SPXU in my portfolio?

RKLZ and SPXU have a correlation of 0.51, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, RKLZ or SPXU?

On fees, SPXU is cheaper at 0.90% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, RKLZ or SPXU?

SPXU is cheaper with a 0.90% expense ratio, compared with 1.29% for RKLZ.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, RKLZ or SPXU?

SPXU has the higher dividend yield at 6.49%, compared with 0.00% for RKLZ.

What is the main difference between RKLZ and SPXU?

RKLZ is categorized as Inverse Equities, while SPXU is S&P 500. They also come from different issuers: Defiance and ProShares. Their fees differ too: 1.29% for RKLZ and 0.90% for SPXU.