SOFX vs. SPUU

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

SOFX (Defiance Daily Target 2X Long SOFI ETF) and SPUU (Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bull 2X ETF) are both Leveraged Equities funds. SOFX is actively managed, while SPUU is passively managed. Over the past year, SOFX returned -61.88% vs 38.38% for SPUU. A 0.60 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. SOFX charges 1.29%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for SPUU.

Performance

SOFX vs. SPUU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Defiance Daily Target 2X Long SOFI ETF (SOFX) 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, SOFX achieves a -66.88% return, which is significantly lower than SPUU's 18.22% return.

SOFX

• 1D: -6.27%
• 1M: -7.38%
• 6M: -66.87%
• YTD: -66.88%
• 1Y: -61.88%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SPUU

• 1D: -1.08%
• 1M: 0.01%
• 6M: 14.79%
• YTD: 18.22%
• 1Y: 38.38%
• 3Y*: 32.90%
• 5Y*: 18.77%
• 10Y*: 23.84%

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

SOFX vs. SPUU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
SOFX Defiance Daily Target 2X Long SOFI ETF	-66.88%	54.87%
SPUU Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bull 2X ETF	18.22%	24.18%

Correlation

The correlation between SOFX and SPUU is 0.56, 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	0.56
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 16, 2025	0.60

The correlation between SOFX and SPUU has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.56 to 0.60 - a consistent structural relationship.

SOFX vs. SPUU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SOFX	SPUU
Financial Services	100.0%	11.1%
Basic Materials	-	1.7%
Communication Services	-	10.6%
Consumer Cyclical	-	9.9%
Consumer Defensive	-	4.5%
Energy	-	3.1%
Healthcare	-	8.3%
Industrials	-	7.8%
Real Estate	-	1.8%
Technology	-	39.0%
Utilities	-	2.1%

Return for Risk

SOFX vs. SPUU — Risk / Return Rank

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

SOFX

SOFX Risk / Return Rank: 5
SOFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 5
SOFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 6
SOFX Omega Ratio Rank: 6
SOFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 3
SOFX Martin Ratio Rank: 4

SPUU

SPUU Risk / Return Rank: 54
SPUU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 56
SPUU Sortino Ratio Rank: 51
SPUU Omega Ratio Rank: 52
SPUU Calmar Ratio Rank: 52
SPUU Martin Ratio Rank: 62

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.

SOFX vs. SPUU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Defiance Daily Target 2X Long SOFI ETF (SOFX) 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.

	SOFX	SPUU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.56	1.53	-2.09
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.40	2.06	-2.46
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.95	1.27	-0.31
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.75	2.12	-2.87
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.14	8.78	-9.92

SOFX vs. SPUU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SOFX Sharpe Ratio is -0.56, which is lower than the SPUU Sharpe Ratio of 1.53. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SOFX 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

SOFX vs. SPUU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SOFX drawdown since its inception was -83.23%, which is greater than SPUU's maximum drawdown of -59.35%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SOFX and SPUU.

Drawdown Indicators

	SOFX	SPUU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-83.23%	-59.35%	-23.88%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-83.23%	-18.19%	-65.04%
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	-79.93%	-2.59%	-77.34%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-45.05%	-9.45%	-35.60%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	54.35%	4.38%	+49.97%

Volatility

SOFX vs. SPUU - Volatility Comparison

Defiance Daily Target 2X Long SOFI ETF (SOFX) has a higher volatility of 25.93% compared to Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bull 2X ETF (SPUU) at 6.85%. This indicates that SOFX'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

	SOFX	SPUU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	25.93%	6.85%	+19.08%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	76.62%	20.13%	+56.49%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	110.96%	25.27%	+85.69%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	120.50%	33.69%	+86.81%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	120.50%	35.75%	+84.75%

SOFX vs. SPUU - Expense Ratio Comparison

SOFX has a 1.29% expense ratio, which is higher than SPUU's 0.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

SOFX vs. SPUU - Dividend Comparison

SOFX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 38.24%, more than SPUU's 1.33% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SOFX Defiance Daily Target 2X Long SOFI ETF	38.24%	12.67%	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	1.33%	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 SOFX and SPUU in my portfolio?

SOFX and SPUU have a correlation of 0.56, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SOFX or SPUU?

SOFX has higher volatility (25.93%) compared to SPUU (6.85%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SOFX dropped -83.23% vs SPUU's -59.35%.

Which ETF is better, SOFX or SPUU?

On 1-year performance, SPUU leads with 38.38% vs -61.88% for SOFX. On fees, SPUU is cheaper at 0.60% per year. On volatility, SPUU has been the lower-risk option at 6.85%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SOFX or SPUU?

Over the 1-year period, SPUU has performed better with a 38.38% return vs -61.88%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SOFX or SPUU?

SPUU is cheaper with a 0.60% expense ratio, compared with 1.29% for SOFX.

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

SOFX has the higher dividend yield at 38.24%, compared with 1.33% for SPUU.

What is the main difference between SOFX and SPUU?

They also come from different issuers: Defiance and Direxion. Their fees differ too: 1.29% for SOFX and 0.60% for SPUU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SPUU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.53 vs -0.56), 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.