TSLR vs. DFEN

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

TSLR (GraniteShares 2x Long TSLA Daily ETF) and DFEN (Direxion Daily Aerospace & Defense Bull 3X Shares) are both Leveraged Equities funds. TSLR is actively managed, while DFEN is passively managed. Over the past year, TSLR returned 19.41% vs 76.99% for DFEN. At a 0.32 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. TSLR charges 1.50%/yr vs 0.99%/yr for DFEN.

Performance

TSLR vs. DFEN - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in GraniteShares 2x Long TSLA Daily ETF (TSLR) 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, TSLR achieves a -27.58% return, which is significantly lower than DFEN's 13.12% return.

TSLR

• 1D: 3.62%
• 1M: -19.09%
• YTD: -27.58%
• 6M: -31.37%
• 1Y: 19.41%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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)

TSLR vs. DFEN - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
TSLR GraniteShares 2x Long TSLA Daily ETF	-27.58%	-25.97%	67.57%	1.69%
DFEN Direxion Daily Aerospace & Defense Bull 3X Shares	13.12%	156.62%	27.07%	27.93%

Correlation

The correlation between TSLR and DFEN is 0.32, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.32
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 22, 2023	0.32

TSLR vs. DFEN - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	TSLR	DFEN
Consumer Cyclical	66.6%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	19.7%
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	0.0%
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

TSLR vs. DFEN — Risk / Return Rank

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

TSLR

TSLR Risk / Return Rank: 16
TSLR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 13
TSLR Sortino Ratio Rank: 20
TSLR Omega Ratio Rank: 18
TSLR Calmar Ratio Rank: 14
TSLR Martin Ratio Rank: 13

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.

TSLR vs. DFEN - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for GraniteShares 2x Long TSLA Daily ETF (TSLR) 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.

	TSLR	DFEN	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.22	1.18	-0.96
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.94	1.85	-0.91
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.11	1.22	-0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.36	1.85	-1.50
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.73	4.29	-3.57

TSLR vs. DFEN - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current TSLR Sharpe Ratio is 0.22, which is lower than the DFEN Sharpe Ratio of 1.18. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of TSLR 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

TSLR vs. DFEN - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum TSLR drawdown since its inception was -82.80%, smaller than the maximum DFEN drawdown of -91.36%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for TSLR and DFEN.

Drawdown Indicators

	TSLR	DFEN	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-82.80%	-91.36%	+8.56%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-54.37%	-41.75%	-12.62%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-43.13%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-55.30%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-62.94%	-25.87%	-37.07%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-50.31%	-45.20%	-5.11%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	26.72%	17.99%	+8.73%

Volatility

TSLR vs. DFEN - Volatility Comparison

GraniteShares 2x Long TSLA Daily ETF (TSLR) has a higher volatility of 28.92% compared to Direxion Daily Aerospace & Defense Bull 3X Shares (DFEN) at 27.31%. This indicates that TSLR's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than DFEN based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	TSLR	DFEN	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	28.92%	27.31%	+1.61%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	57.66%	55.81%	+1.85%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	89.10%	65.81%	+23.29%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	115.61%	60.74%	+54.87%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	115.61%	71.66%	+43.95%

TSLR vs. DFEN - Expense Ratio Comparison

TSLR has a 1.50% expense ratio, which is higher than DFEN's 0.99% expense ratio.

Dividends

TSLR vs. DFEN - Dividend Comparison

TSLR 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%
TSLR GraniteShares 2x Long TSLA Daily 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 TSLR and DFEN in my portfolio?

TSLR and DFEN have a correlation of 0.32, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, TSLR or DFEN?

TSLR has higher volatility (28.92%) compared to DFEN (27.31%). In terms of maximum drawdown, TSLR dropped -82.80% vs DFEN's -91.36%.

Which ETF is better, TSLR or DFEN?

On 1-year performance, DFEN leads with 76.99% vs 19.41% for TSLR. On fees, DFEN is cheaper at 0.99% per year. On volatility, DFEN has been the lower-risk option at 27.31%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, TSLR or DFEN?

Over the 1-year period, DFEN has performed better with a 76.99% return vs 19.41%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, TSLR or DFEN?

DFEN is cheaper with a 0.99% expense ratio, compared with 1.50% for TSLR.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, TSLR or DFEN?

DFEN has the higher dividend yield at 7.89%, compared with 0.00% for TSLR.

What is the main difference between TSLR and DFEN?

They also come from different issuers: GraniteShares and Direxion. Their fees differ too: 1.50% for TSLR and 0.99% for DFEN.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFEN currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.18 vs 0.22), 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.