SPXS vs. SARK

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

SPXS (Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bear 3X Shares) and SARK (Tradr Short Innovation Daily ETF) are both Inverse Equities funds. SPXS is passively managed, while SARK is actively managed. Over the past 3 years, SPXS returned -40.44%/yr vs -30.28%/yr for SARK. A 0.74 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. SPXS charges 1.08%/yr vs 0.75%/yr for SARK.

Performance

SPXS vs. SARK - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bear 3X Shares (SPXS) and Tradr Short Innovation Daily ETF (SARK). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SPXS achieves a -19.82% return, which is significantly lower than SARK's -6.13% return.

SPXS

• 1D: 0.29%
• 1M: 4.33%
• YTD: -19.82%
• 6M: -16.62%
• 1Y: -41.66%
• 3Y*: -40.44%
• 5Y*: -33.23%
• 10Y*: -42.02%

SARK

• 1D: 0.08%
• 1M: -1.71%
• YTD: -6.13%
• 6M: -1.60%
• 1Y: -18.22%
• 3Y*: -30.28%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

SPXS vs. SARK - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
SPXS Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bear 3X Shares	-19.82%	-41.53%	-42.84%	-45.97%	36.14%	-7.04%
SARK Tradr Short Innovation Daily ETF	-6.13%	-25.93%	-36.90%	-46.32%	83.35%	24.05%

Correlation

The correlation between SPXS and SARK is 0.76, 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	0.76
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.74
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 9, 2021	0.74

The correlation between SPXS and SARK has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.73 to 0.76 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

SPXS vs. SARK — Risk / Return Rank

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

SPXS

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

SARK

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

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.

SPXS vs. SARK - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bear 3X Shares (SPXS) and Tradr Short Innovation Daily ETF (SARK). 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.

	SPXS	SARK	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-1.12	-0.51	-0.61
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-1.76	-0.54	-1.22
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.81	0.94	-0.13
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.89	-0.69	-0.21
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.54	-1.15	-0.39

SPXS vs. SARK - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SPXS Sharpe Ratio is -1.12, which is lower than the SARK Sharpe Ratio of -0.51. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SPXS and SARK, 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

SPXS vs. SARK - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SPXS drawdown since its inception was -100.00%, which is greater than SARK's maximum drawdown of -81.07%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SPXS and SARK.

Drawdown Indicators

	SPXS	SARK	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-100.00%	-81.07%	-18.93%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-46.84%	-26.61%	-20.23%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-84.13%	-74.42%	-9.71%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-90.11%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-99.63%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-100.00%	-79.28%	-20.72%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-96.29%	-46.82%	-49.47%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	27.25%	15.85%	+11.40%

Volatility

SPXS vs. SARK - Volatility Comparison

Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bear 3X Shares (SPXS) has a higher volatility of 14.27% compared to Tradr Short Innovation Daily ETF (SARK) at 12.56%. This indicates that SPXS's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SARK based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SPXS	SARK	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	14.27%	12.56%	+1.71%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	29.40%	26.56%	+2.84%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	37.36%	35.79%	+1.57%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	50.69%	56.13%	-5.44%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	53.58%	56.13%	-2.55%

SPXS vs. SARK - Expense Ratio Comparison

SPXS has a 1.08% expense ratio, which is higher than SARK's 0.75% expense ratio.

Dividends

SPXS vs. SARK - Dividend Comparison

SPXS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.24%, more than SARK's 3.00% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
SARK Tradr Short Innovation Daily ETF	3.00%	2.82%	15.49%	12.57%	25.22%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SPXS Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bear 3X Shares	4.24%	4.93%	6.18%	5.66%	0.00%	0.00%	0.51%	1.74%	0.58%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SPXS and SARK in my portfolio?

SPXS and SARK have a correlation of 0.76, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SPXS or SARK?

SPXS has higher volatility (14.27%) compared to SARK (12.56%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SPXS dropped -100.00% vs SARK's -81.07%.

Which ETF is better, SPXS or SARK?

On 3-year performance, SARK leads with -30.28% vs -40.44% for SPXS. On fees, SARK is cheaper at 0.75% per year. On volatility, SARK has been the lower-risk option at 12.56%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SPXS or SARK?

Over the 3-year period, SARK has performed better with a -30.28% return vs -40.44%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SPXS or SARK?

SARK is cheaper with a 0.75% expense ratio, compared with 1.08% for SPXS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SPXS or SARK?

SPXS has the higher dividend yield at 4.24%, compared with 3.00% for SARK.

What is the main difference between SPXS and SARK?

They also come from different issuers: Direxion and AXS. Their fees differ too: 1.08% for SPXS and 0.75% for SARK.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SARK currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (-0.51 vs -1.12), 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.