TARK vs. SPUU

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

TARK (Tradr 2X Long Innovation ETF) and SPUU (Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bull 2X ETF) are both Leveraged Equities funds. TARK is actively managed, while SPUU is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, TARK returned 8.87%/yr vs 33.08%/yr for SPUU. A 0.74 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. TARK charges 1.15%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for SPUU.

Performance

TARK vs. SPUU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Tradr 2X Long Innovation ETF (TARK) 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, TARK achieves a -8.01% return, which is significantly lower than SPUU's 17.85% return.

TARK

• 1D: -5.15%
• 1M: 5.19%
• 6M: -19.36%
• YTD: -8.01%
• 1Y: -4.62%
• 3Y*: 8.87%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SPUU

• 1D: -1.52%
• 1M: 1.98%
• 6M: 13.42%
• YTD: 17.85%
• 1Y: 38.09%
• 3Y*: 33.08%
• 5Y*: 18.17%
• 10Y*: 23.89%

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

TARK vs. SPUU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
TARK Tradr 2X Long Innovation ETF	-8.01%	41.00%	-4.85%	121.37%	-71.31%
SPUU Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bull 2X ETF	17.85%	26.55%	44.25%	47.28%	-17.18%

Correlation

The correlation between TARK and SPUU 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 May 2, 2022	0.74

The correlation between TARK and SPUU has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.74 to 0.76 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

TARK vs. SPUU — Risk / Return Rank

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

TARK

TARK Risk / Return Rank: 10
TARK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 9
TARK Sortino Ratio Rank: 12
TARK Omega Ratio Rank: 12
TARK Calmar Ratio Rank: 8
TARK Martin Ratio Rank: 9

SPUU

SPUU Risk / Return Rank: 55
SPUU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 56
SPUU Sortino Ratio Rank: 52
SPUU Omega Ratio Rank: 53
SPUU Calmar Ratio Rank: 53
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.

TARK vs. SPUU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Tradr 2X Long Innovation ETF (TARK) 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.

	TARK	SPUU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.06	1.52	-1.58
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.42	2.05	-1.63
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.05	1.26	-0.22
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.08	2.10	-2.18
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.15	8.72	-8.87

TARK vs. SPUU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current TARK Sharpe Ratio is -0.06, which is lower than the SPUU Sharpe Ratio of 1.52. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of TARK 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

TARK vs. SPUU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum TARK drawdown since its inception was -77.82%, which is greater than SPUU's maximum drawdown of -59.35%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for TARK and SPUU.

Drawdown Indicators

	TARK	SPUU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-77.82%	-59.35%	-18.47%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-57.57%	-18.19%	-39.38%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-65.55%	-35.18%	-30.37%
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	-39.47%	-2.90%	-36.57%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-50.62%	-9.46%	-41.16%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	31.80%	4.38%	+27.42%

Volatility

TARK vs. SPUU - Volatility Comparison

Tradr 2X Long Innovation ETF (TARK) has a higher volatility of 19.55% compared to Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bull 2X ETF (SPUU) at 8.12%. This indicates that TARK'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

	TARK	SPUU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	19.55%	8.12%	+11.43%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	53.71%	20.13%	+33.58%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	71.83%	25.30%	+46.53%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	90.35%	33.69%	+56.66%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	90.35%	35.76%	+54.59%

TARK vs. SPUU - Expense Ratio Comparison

TARK has a 1.15% expense ratio, which is higher than SPUU's 0.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

TARK vs. SPUU - Dividend Comparison

TARK's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 32.61%, more than SPUU's 1.33% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%
TARK Tradr 2X Long Innovation ETF	32.61%	30.00%	0.59%	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 TARK and SPUU in my portfolio?

TARK and SPUU 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, TARK or SPUU?

TARK has higher volatility (19.55%) compared to SPUU (8.12%). In terms of maximum drawdown, TARK dropped -77.82% vs SPUU's -59.35%.

Which ETF is better, TARK or SPUU?

On 3-year performance, SPUU leads with 33.08% vs 8.87% for TARK. On fees, SPUU is cheaper at 0.60% per year. On volatility, SPUU has been the lower-risk option at 8.12%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, TARK or SPUU?

Over the 3-year period, SPUU has performed better with a 33.08% return vs 8.87%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, TARK or SPUU?

SPUU is cheaper with a 0.60% expense ratio, compared with 1.15% for TARK.

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

TARK has the higher dividend yield at 32.61%, compared with 1.33% for SPUU.

What is the main difference between TARK and SPUU?

They also come from different issuers: AXS and Direxion. Their fees differ too: 1.15% for TARK and 0.60% for SPUU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SPUU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.52 vs -0.06), 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.