STRL vs. DFEN

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

STRL (Sterling Infrastructure, Inc.) is a stock, while DFEN (Direxion Daily Aerospace & Defense Bull 3X Shares) is Leveraged Equities fund tracking the Dow Jones U.S. Select Aerospace & Defense Index (300%). Over the past 5 years, STRL returned 104.12%/yr vs 29.22%/yr for DFEN. At a 0.48 correlation, their price movements are largely independent.

Performance

STRL vs. DFEN - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Sterling Infrastructure, Inc. (STRL) 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, STRL achieves a 180.50% return, which is significantly higher than DFEN's 13.12% return.

STRL

• 1D: 2.44%
• 1M: 0.55%
• YTD: 180.50%
• 6M: 172.57%
• 1Y: 320.41%
• 3Y*: 152.83%
• 5Y*: 104.12%
• 10Y*: 67.37%

DFEN

• 1D: -2.71%
• 1M: 7.74%
• YTD: 13.12%
• 6M: 20.44%
• 1Y: 76.99%
• 3Y*: 64.38%
• 5Y*: 29.22%
• 10Y*: —

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

STRL vs. DFEN - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
STRL Sterling Infrastructure, Inc.	180.50%	81.79%	91.57%	168.08%	24.71%	41.32%	32.17%	29.29%	-33.11%	65.11%
DFEN Direxion Daily Aerospace & Defense Bull 3X Shares	13.12%	156.62%	27.07%	24.70%	6.99%	12.72%	-70.23%	95.09%	-32.86%	83.64%

Correlation

The correlation between STRL and DFEN is 0.50, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.50
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.48
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.52
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 3, 2017	0.48

The correlation between STRL and DFEN has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.48 to 0.52 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

STRL vs. DFEN — Risk / Return Rank

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

STRL

STRL Risk / Return Rank: 97
STRL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 98
STRL Sortino Ratio Rank: 96
STRL Omega Ratio Rank: 95
STRL Calmar Ratio Rank: 98
STRL Martin Ratio Rank: 98

DFEN

DFEN Risk / Return Rank: 38
DFEN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 37
DFEN Sortino Ratio Rank: 40
DFEN Omega Ratio Rank: 36
DFEN Calmar Ratio Rank: 42
DFEN Martin Ratio Rank: 33

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.

STRL vs. DFEN - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Sterling Infrastructure, Inc. (STRL) 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.

	STRL	DFEN	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.92	1.18	+2.74
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.04	1.85	+2.19
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.54	1.22	+0.32
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	10.41	1.85	+8.55
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	28.52	4.29	+24.23

STRL vs. DFEN - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current STRL Sharpe Ratio is 3.92, which is higher than the DFEN Sharpe Ratio of 1.18. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of STRL 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

STRL vs. DFEN - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum STRL drawdown since its inception was -92.51%, roughly equal to the maximum DFEN drawdown of -91.36%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for STRL and DFEN.

Drawdown Indicators

	STRL	DFEN	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-92.51%	-91.36%	-1.15%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-31.02%	-41.75%	+10.73%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-47.67%	-43.13%	-4.54%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-47.67%	-55.30%	+7.63%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-59.60%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-13.56%	-25.87%	+12.31%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-46.29%	-45.20%	-1.09%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	11.30%	17.99%	-6.69%

Volatility

STRL vs. DFEN - Volatility Comparison

Sterling Infrastructure, Inc. (STRL) and Direxion Daily Aerospace & Defense Bull 3X Shares (DFEN) have volatilities of 27.60% and 27.31%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	STRL	DFEN	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	27.60%	27.31%	+0.29%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	65.26%	55.81%	+9.45%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	82.41%	65.81%	+16.60%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	57.29%	60.74%	-3.45%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	53.58%	71.66%	-18.08%

Dividends

STRL vs. DFEN - Dividend Comparison

STRL has not paid dividends to shareholders, while DFEN's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 7.89%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DFEN Direxion Daily Aerospace & Defense Bull 3X Shares	7.89%	8.89%	14.12%	1.13%	0.46%	1.89%	0.48%	0.50%	1.07%	1.50%
STRL Sterling Infrastructure, Inc.	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both STRL and DFEN in my portfolio?

STRL and DFEN have a correlation of 0.50, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, STRL or DFEN?

STRL has higher volatility (27.60%) compared to DFEN (27.31%). In terms of maximum drawdown, STRL dropped -92.51% vs DFEN's -91.36%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

STRL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.92 vs 1.18), 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.