SDIV vs. DFEN

Last updated Jun 21, 2026

SDIV (Global X SuperDividend ETF) and DFEN (Direxion Daily Aerospace & Defense Bull 3X Shares) are both exchange-traded funds - SDIV is a Global Equities fund tracking the Solactive Global SuperDividend Index, while DFEN is a Leveraged Equities fund tracking the Dow Jones U.S. Select Aerospace & Defense Index (300% Daily). Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, SDIV returned -0.45%/yr vs 33.49%/yr for DFEN. A 0.54 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. SDIV charges 0.58%/yr vs 0.96%/yr for DFEN.

Performance

SDIV vs. DFEN - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Global X SuperDividend ETF (SDIV) and Direxion Daily Aerospace & Defense Bull 3X Shares (DFEN). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SDIV achieves a 4.37% return, which is significantly lower than DFEN's 20.97% return.

SDIV

• 1D: -0.41%
• 1M: -3.17%
• YTD: 4.37%
• 6M: 5.16%
• 1Y: 20.13%
• 3Y*: 13.47%
• 5Y*: -0.45%
• 10Y*: -0.25%

DFEN

• 1D: -4.32%
• 1M: 17.09%
• YTD: 20.97%
• 6M: 21.25%
• 1Y: 87.39%
• 3Y*: 67.96%
• 5Y*: 33.49%
• 10Y*: —

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

SDIV vs. DFEN - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SDIV Global X SuperDividend ETF	4.37%	29.12%	1.77%	5.46%	-26.43%	3.76%	-20.89%	13.04%	-15.07%	5.06%
DFEN Direxion Daily Aerospace & Defense Bull 3X Shares	20.97%	156.62%	27.07%	24.70%	6.99%	12.72%	-70.23%	95.09%	-32.86%	83.64%

Correlation

The correlation between SDIV and DFEN is 0.37, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.37
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.41
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.49
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 3, 2017	0.54

The correlation between SDIV and DFEN shifts across timeframes, from 0.37 (1 year) to 0.54 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

SDIV vs. DFEN - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SDIV	DFEN
Real Estate	36.7%	-
Energy	17.2%	-
Industrials	14.7%	18.7%
Financial Services	9.1%	-
Communication Services	6.3%	-
Consumer Cyclical	5.6%	-
Consumer Defensive	3.7%	-
Basic Materials	2.9%	-
Technology	1.6%	0.0%
Healthcare	1.3%	-
Utilities	1.0%	-

Return for Risk

SDIV vs. DFEN — Risk / Return Rank

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

SDIV

SDIV Risk / Return Rank: 48
SDIV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 45
SDIV Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
SDIV Omega Ratio Rank: 42
SDIV Calmar Ratio Rank: 56
SDIV Martin Ratio Rank: 52

DFEN

DFEN Risk / Return Rank: 40
DFEN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
DFEN Sortino Ratio Rank: 42
DFEN Omega Ratio Rank: 37
DFEN Calmar Ratio Rank: 46
DFEN Martin Ratio Rank: 36

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.

SDIV vs. DFEN - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X SuperDividend ETF (SDIV) and Direxion Daily Aerospace & Defense Bull 3X Shares (DFEN). 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.

	SDIV	DFEN	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.52	1.40	+0.12
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.11	2.04	+0.06
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.24	+0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.63	2.21	+0.41
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.40	5.08	+3.32

SDIV vs. DFEN - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SDIV Sharpe Ratio is 1.52, which is comparable to the DFEN Sharpe Ratio of 1.40. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SDIV and DFEN, 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

SDIV vs. DFEN - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SDIV drawdown since its inception was -56.90%, smaller than the maximum DFEN drawdown of -91.36%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SDIV and DFEN.

Drawdown Indicators

	SDIV	DFEN	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-56.90%	-91.36%	+34.46%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.35%	-41.75%	+34.40%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.64%	-43.13%	+24.49%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-40.32%	-55.30%	+14.98%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-56.90%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-19.01%	-20.73%	+1.72%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-18.58%	-45.15%	+26.57%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.29%	18.16%	-15.87%

Volatility

SDIV vs. DFEN - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Global X SuperDividend ETF (SDIV) is 4.26%, while Direxion Daily Aerospace & Defense Bull 3X Shares (DFEN) has a volatility of 25.14%. This indicates that SDIV experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than DFEN based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SDIV	DFEN	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.26%	25.14%	-20.88%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.91%	56.03%	-46.12%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.71%	66.17%	-53.46%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.87%	60.80%	-43.93%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.97%	71.64%	-52.67%

SDIV vs. DFEN - Expense Ratio Comparison

SDIV has a 0.58% expense ratio, which is lower than DFEN's 0.96% expense ratio.

Dividends

SDIV vs. DFEN - Dividend Comparison

SDIV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 9.38%, more than DFEN's 7.38% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFEN Direxion Daily Aerospace & Defense Bull 3X Shares	7.38%	8.89%	14.12%	1.13%	0.46%	1.89%	0.48%	0.50%	1.07%	1.50%	0.00%	0.00%
SDIV Global X SuperDividend ETF	9.38%	9.59%	11.33%	11.73%	14.17%	8.95%	7.96%	8.73%	9.22%	6.66%	6.95%	7.33%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SDIV and DFEN in my portfolio?

SDIV and DFEN have a correlation of 0.37, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SDIV or DFEN?

DFEN has higher volatility (25.14%) compared to SDIV (4.26%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SDIV dropped -56.90% vs DFEN's -91.36%.

Which ETF is better, SDIV or DFEN?

On 5-year performance, DFEN leads with 33.49% vs -0.45% for SDIV. On fees, SDIV is cheaper at 0.58% per year. On volatility, SDIV has been the lower-risk option at 4.26%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SDIV or DFEN?

Over the 5-year period, DFEN has performed better with a 33.49% return vs -0.45%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SDIV or DFEN?

SDIV is cheaper with a 0.58% expense ratio, compared with 0.96% for DFEN.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SDIV or DFEN?

SDIV has the higher dividend yield at 9.38%, compared with 7.38% for DFEN.

What is the main difference between SDIV and DFEN?

SDIV is categorized as Global Equities, while DFEN is Leveraged Equities. SDIV tracks Solactive Global SuperDividend Index, while DFEN tracks Dow Jones U.S. Select Aerospace & Defense Index (300% Daily). They also come from different issuers: Global X and Direxion. Their fees differ too: 0.58% for SDIV and 0.96% for DFEN.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SDIV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.52 vs 1.40), 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.