SPCL vs. SPUU

Last updated Jul 1, 2026

SPCL (Defiance Pure Space Daily 2X Strategy ETF) and SPUU (Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bull 2X ETF) are both Leveraged Equities funds. SPCL is actively managed, while SPUU is passively managed. A 0.57 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined.

Performance

SPCL vs. SPUU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Defiance Pure Space Daily 2X Strategy ETF (SPCL) and Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bull 2X ETF (SPUU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

SPCL

• 1D: 8.73%
• 1M: 14.57%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SPUU

• 1D: 1.70%
• 1M: -2.52%
• YTD: 17.51%
• 6M: 15.51%
• 1Y: 39.91%
• 3Y*: 34.00%
• 5Y*: 18.70%
• 10Y*: 24.48%

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

SPCL vs. SPUU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
SPCL Defiance Pure Space Daily 2X Strategy ETF	48.10%
SPUU Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bull 2X ETF	12.54%

Correlation

The correlation between SPCL and SPUU is 0.57, 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 Apr 17, 2026	0.57

Return for Risk

SPCL vs. SPUU — Risk / Return Rank

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

SPCL

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

SPUU

SPUU Risk / Return Rank: 53
SPUU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 54
SPUU Sortino Ratio Rank: 49
SPUU Omega Ratio Rank: 50
SPUU Calmar Ratio Rank: 52
SPUU Martin Ratio Rank: 60

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.

SPCL vs. SPUU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Defiance Pure Space Daily 2X Strategy ETF (SPCL) 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.

	SPCL	SPUU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	1.59	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	2.12	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.28	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	2.20	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	9.20	—

Drawdowns

SPCL vs. SPUU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SPCL drawdown since its inception was -46.27%, smaller than the maximum SPUU drawdown of -59.35%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SPCL and SPUU.

Drawdown Indicators

	SPCL	SPUU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-46.27%	-59.35%	+13.08%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-18.19%	—
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	-32.85%	-3.18%	-29.67%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-15.81%	-9.48%	-6.33%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	4.35%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	SPCL	SPUU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	10.06%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	20.05%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	193.75%	25.21%	+168.54%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	193.75%	33.70%	+160.05%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	193.75%	35.76%	+157.99%

Dividends

SPCL vs. SPUU - Dividend Comparison

SPCL has not paid dividends to shareholders, while SPUU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.34%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SPCL Defiance Pure Space Daily 2X Strategy ETF	0.00%	0.00%	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	1.34%	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 SPCL and SPUU in my portfolio?

SPCL and SPUU have a correlation of 0.57, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

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

SPUU has the higher dividend yield at 1.34%, compared with 0.00% for SPCL.

What is the main difference between SPCL and SPUU?

They also come from different issuers: Defiance and Direxion.