TMF vs. UVIX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

TMF (Direxion Daily 20+ Year Treasury Bull 3X ETF) and UVIX (2x Long VIX Futures ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - TMF is a Leveraged Bonds fund tracking the ICE U.S. Treasury 20+ Year Bond Index (300%), while UVIX is a Volatility fund tracking the Long VIX Futures Index (200% Daily). Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, TMF returned -21.07%/yr vs -80.80%/yr for UVIX. At a correlation of -0.09, they often move in opposite directions. TMF charges 1.01%/yr vs 2.78%/yr for UVIX.

Performance

TMF vs. UVIX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Direxion Daily 20+ Year Treasury Bull 3X ETF (TMF) and 2x Long VIX Futures ETF (UVIX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, TMF achieves a -4.67% return, which is significantly higher than UVIX's -36.43% return.

TMF

• 1D: -0.62%
• 1M: 4.96%
• YTD: -4.67%
• 6M: -5.95%
• 1Y: -2.80%
• 3Y*: -21.07%
• 5Y*: -31.33%
• 10Y*: -16.87%

UVIX

• 1D: 10.67%
• 1M: -21.26%
• YTD: -36.43%
• 6M: -38.89%
• 1Y: -86.69%
• 3Y*: -80.80%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

TMF vs. UVIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
TMF Direxion Daily 20+ Year Treasury Bull 3X ETF	-4.67%	-2.94%	-35.95%	-13.01%	-59.28%
UVIX 2x Long VIX Futures ETF	-36.43%	-83.21%	-75.24%	-95.28%	-61.86%

Correlation

The correlation between TMF and UVIX is -0.13, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.13
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	-0.11
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 30, 2022	-0.09

Return for Risk

TMF vs. UVIX — Risk / Return Rank

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

TMF

TMF Risk / Return Rank: 8
TMF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 8
TMF Sortino Ratio Rank: 8
TMF Omega Ratio Rank: 8
TMF Calmar Ratio Rank: 8
TMF Martin Ratio Rank: 8

UVIX

UVIX Risk / Return Rank: 1
UVIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 3
UVIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 1
UVIX Omega Ratio Rank: 1
UVIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 0
UVIX Martin Ratio Rank: 2

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.

TMF vs. UVIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Direxion Daily 20+ Year Treasury Bull 3X ETF (TMF) and 2x Long VIX Futures ETF (UVIX). 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.

	TMF	UVIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.10	-0.77	+0.67
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.05	-1.74	+1.79
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.01	0.80	+0.20
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.11	-1.01	+0.90
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.23	-1.36	+1.13

TMF vs. UVIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current TMF Sharpe Ratio is -0.10, which is higher than the UVIX Sharpe Ratio of -0.77. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of TMF and UVIX, 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

TMF vs. UVIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum TMF drawdown since its inception was -92.89%, smaller than the maximum UVIX drawdown of -99.98%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for TMF and UVIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	TMF	UVIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-92.89%	-99.98%	+7.09%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-26.51%	-86.20%	+59.69%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-56.09%	-99.36%	+43.27%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-88.81%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-92.89%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-92.11%	-99.97%	+7.86%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-43.76%	-88.58%	+44.82%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	12.26%	67.73%	-55.47%

Volatility

TMF vs. UVIX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Direxion Daily 20+ Year Treasury Bull 3X ETF (TMF) is 6.50%, while 2x Long VIX Futures ETF (UVIX) has a volatility of 33.94%. This indicates that TMF experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than UVIX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	TMF	UVIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.50%	33.94%	-27.44%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	19.35%	87.40%	-68.05%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	27.91%	112.72%	-84.81%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	46.59%	136.13%	-89.54%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	43.86%	136.13%	-92.27%

TMF vs. UVIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

TMF has a 1.01% expense ratio, which is lower than UVIX's 2.78% expense ratio.

Dividends

TMF vs. UVIX - Dividend Comparison

TMF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.09%, while UVIX has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
TMF Direxion Daily 20+ Year Treasury Bull 3X ETF	4.09%	4.06%	4.29%	2.82%	1.62%	0.13%	2.23%	0.94%	1.49%	0.41%
UVIX 2x Long VIX Futures ETF	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 TMF and UVIX in my portfolio?

TMF and UVIX have a correlation of -0.13, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, TMF or UVIX?

UVIX has higher volatility (33.94%) compared to TMF (6.50%). In terms of maximum drawdown, TMF dropped -92.89% vs UVIX's -99.98%.

Which ETF is better, TMF or UVIX?

On 3-year performance, TMF leads with -21.07% vs -80.80% for UVIX. On fees, TMF is cheaper at 1.01% per year. On volatility, TMF has been the lower-risk option at 6.50%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, TMF or UVIX?

Over the 3-year period, TMF has performed better with a -21.07% return vs -80.80%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, TMF or UVIX?

TMF is cheaper with a 1.01% expense ratio, compared with 2.78% for UVIX.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, TMF or UVIX?

TMF has the higher dividend yield at 4.09%, compared with 0.00% for UVIX.

What is the main difference between TMF and UVIX?

TMF is categorized as Leveraged Bonds, while UVIX is Volatility. TMF tracks ICE U.S. Treasury 20+ Year Bond Index (300%), while UVIX tracks Long VIX Futures Index (200% Daily). They also come from different issuers: Direxion and Volatility Shares. Their fees differ too: 1.01% for TMF and 2.78% for UVIX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

TMF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (-0.10 vs -0.77), 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.