SPXN vs. SPXL

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

SPXN (ProShares S&P 500 Ex-Financials ETF) and SPXL (Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bull 3X ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SPXN is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Ex-Financials and Real Estate Index, while SPXL is a Leveraged Equities fund tracking the S&P 500. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, SPXN returned 16.26%/yr vs 30.20%/yr for SPXL. Their correlation of 0.83 suggests significant overlap in exposure. SPXN charges 0.09%/yr vs 0.84%/yr for SPXL.

Performance

SPXN vs. SPXL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ProShares S&P 500 Ex-Financials ETF (SPXN) and Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bull 3X ETF (SPXL). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SPXN achieves a 13.57% return, which is significantly lower than SPXL's 28.14% return. Over the past 10 years, SPXN has underperformed SPXL with an annualized return of 16.26%, while SPXL has yielded a comparatively higher 30.20% annualized return.

SPXN

• 1D: -0.59%
• 1M: 6.16%
• YTD: 13.57%
• 6M: 13.21%
• 1Y: 32.98%
• 3Y*: 23.31%
• 5Y*: 14.93%
• 10Y*: 16.26%

SPXL

• 1D: -2.08%
• 1M: 14.77%
• YTD: 28.14%
• 6M: 26.88%
• 1Y: 81.54%
• 3Y*: 52.83%
• 5Y*: 23.51%
• 10Y*: 30.20%

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

SPXN vs. SPXL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SPXN ProShares S&P 500 Ex-Financials ETF	13.57%	18.74%	24.35%	28.57%	-18.87%	27.04%	22.15%	31.50%	-3.85%	20.84%
SPXL Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bull 3X ETF	28.14%	31.94%	63.61%	69.49%	-56.55%	98.75%	9.64%	102.80%	-25.11%	71.03%

Correlation

The correlation between SPXN and SPXL is 0.98 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.98
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.98
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.98
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.86
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 25, 2015	0.83

The correlation between SPXN and SPXL shifts across timeframes, from 0.83 (all time) to 0.98 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

SPXN vs. SPXL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SPXN	SPXL
Technology	41.1%	8.5%
Communication Services	13.1%	2.4%
Consumer Cyclical	11.8%	2.2%
Healthcare	9.9%	1.9%
Industrials	9.6%	1.7%
Consumer Defensive	5.7%	1.1%
Energy	4.1%	0.8%
Utilities	2.7%	0.6%
Basic Materials	2.1%	0.4%
Financial Services	-	2.6%
Real Estate	-	0.4%

Return for Risk

SPXN vs. SPXL — Risk / Return Rank

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

SPXN

SPXN Risk / Return Rank: 78
SPXN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 80
SPXN Sortino Ratio Rank: 77
SPXN Omega Ratio Rank: 78
SPXN Calmar Ratio Rank: 71
SPXN Martin Ratio Rank: 82

SPXL

SPXL Risk / Return Rank: 63
SPXL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 69
SPXL Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
SPXL Omega Ratio Rank: 58
SPXL Calmar Ratio Rank: 60
SPXL Martin Ratio Rank: 68

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.

SPXN vs. SPXL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ProShares S&P 500 Ex-Financials ETF (SPXN) and Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bull 3X ETF (SPXL). 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.

	SPXN	SPXL	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	2.61	2.32	+0.29
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	3.49	2.78	+0.71
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.47	1.37	+0.10
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.58	3.06	+0.52
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	16.43	12.94	+3.49
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

SPXN vs. SPXL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SPXN Sharpe Ratio is 2.61, which is comparable to the SPXL Sharpe Ratio of 2.32. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SPXN and SPXL, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	SPXN	SPXL	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.61	2.32	+0.29
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.87	0.47	+0.40
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.92	0.57	+0.36
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.92	0.53	+0.40

Drawdowns

SPXN vs. SPXL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SPXN drawdown since its inception was -32.10%, smaller than the maximum SPXL drawdown of -76.86%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SPXN and SPXL.

Drawdown Indicators

	SPXN	SPXL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-32.10%	-76.86%	+44.76%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.26%	-26.77%	+17.51%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.56%	-48.95%	+29.39%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.47%	-63.80%	+39.33%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-32.10%	-76.86%	+44.76%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.59%	-2.08%	+1.49%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.00%	-15.72%	+11.72%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.01%	6.32%	-4.31%

Volatility

SPXN vs. SPXL - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for ProShares S&P 500 Ex-Financials ETF (SPXN) is 3.16%, while Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bull 3X ETF (SPXL) has a volatility of 8.49%. This indicates that SPXN experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SPXL based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SPXN	SPXL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.16%	8.49%	-5.33%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.69%	26.67%	-16.98%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.70%	35.39%	-22.69%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.16%	50.24%	-33.08%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.64%	53.42%	-35.78%

SPXN vs. SPXL - Expense Ratio Comparison

SPXN has a 0.09% expense ratio, which is lower than SPXL's 0.84% expense ratio.

Dividends

SPXN vs. SPXL - Dividend Comparison

SPXN's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.87%, more than SPXL's 0.52% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SPXL Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bull 3X ETF	0.52%	0.69%	0.74%	0.98%	0.32%	0.11%	0.22%	0.84%	1.02%	3.88%	0.00%	0.00%
SPXN ProShares S&P 500 Ex-Financials ETF	0.87%	0.98%	1.12%	1.19%	1.35%	0.94%	1.09%	1.41%	1.76%	1.54%	2.60%	0.52%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SPXN and SPXL in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.98, SPXN and SPXL move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, SPXN or SPXL?

SPXL has higher volatility (8.49%) compared to SPXN (3.16%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SPXN dropped -32.10% vs SPXL's -76.86%.

Which ETF is better, SPXN or SPXL?

On 10-year performance, SPXL leads with 30.20% vs 16.26% for SPXN. On fees, SPXN is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, SPXN has been the lower-risk option at 3.16%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SPXN or SPXL?

Over the 10-year period, SPXL has performed better with a 30.20% return vs 16.26%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SPXN or SPXL?

SPXN is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.84% for SPXL.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SPXN or SPXL?

SPXN has the higher dividend yield at 0.87%, compared with 0.52% for SPXL.

What is the main difference between SPXN and SPXL?

SPXN is categorized as S&P 500, while SPXL is Leveraged Equities. SPXN tracks S&P 500 Ex-Financials and Real Estate Index, while SPXL tracks S&P 500. They also come from different issuers: ProShares and Direxion. Their fees differ too: 0.09% for SPXN and 0.84% for SPXL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SPXN currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.61 vs 2.32), 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.