UBOT vs. DFEN

Last updated Jul 22, 2026

UBOT (Direxion Robotics, Artificial Intelligence & Automation Index Bull 3X Shares) and DFEN (Direxion Daily Aerospace & Defense Bull 3X Shares) are both exchange-traded funds - UBOT is a Robotics fund tracking the Indxx Global Robotics & Artificial Intelligence Thematic Index (300%), while DFEN is a Leveraged Equities fund tracking the Dow Jones U.S. Select Aerospace & Defense Index (300% Daily). Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, UBOT returned -10.84%/yr vs 31.33%/yr for DFEN. A 0.56 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. UBOT charges 1.29%/yr vs 0.96%/yr for DFEN.

Performance

UBOT vs. DFEN - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Direxion Robotics, Artificial Intelligence & Automation Index Bull 3X Shares (UBOT) 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, UBOT achieves a -14.56% return, which is significantly lower than DFEN's 5.27% return.

UBOT

• 1D: 3.58%
• 1M: -18.55%
• 6M: -18.05%
• YTD: -14.56%
• 1Y: -1.35%
• 3Y*: -0.24%
• 5Y*: -10.84%
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: -7.19%

DFEN

• 1D: 0.63%
• 1M: -12.98%
• 6M: -21.40%
• YTD: 5.27%
• 1Y: 31.08%
• 3Y*: 60.47%
• 5Y*: 31.33%
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 15.24%

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

UBOT vs. DFEN - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
UBOT Direxion Robotics, Artificial Intelligence & Automation Index Bull 3X Shares	-14.56%	13.42%	12.02%	72.59%	-72.45%	9.78%	80.13%	87.34%	-71.74%
DFEN Direxion Daily Aerospace & Defense Bull 3X Shares	5.27%	156.62%	27.07%	24.70%	6.99%	12.72%	-70.23%	95.09%	-45.82%

Correlation

The correlation between UBOT and DFEN is 0.53, 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	0.53
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.49
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.54
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 19, 2018	0.56

The correlation between UBOT and DFEN has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.49 to 0.56 - a consistent structural relationship.

UBOT vs. DFEN - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	UBOT	DFEN
Industrials	50.8%	22.0%
Technology	30.8%	0.0%
Healthcare	8.0%	-
Consumer Cyclical	6.2%	-
Communication Services	4.2%	-
Financial Services	0.9%	-
Energy	0.5%	-
Consumer Defensive	0.0%	-
Basic Materials	0.0%	-
Utilities	0.0%	-
Real Estate	-	-

Return for Risk

UBOT vs. DFEN — Risk / Return Rank

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

UBOT

UBOT Risk / Return Rank: 11
UBOT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 10
UBOT Sortino Ratio Rank: 13
UBOT Omega Ratio Rank: 12
UBOT Calmar Ratio Rank: 10
UBOT Martin Ratio Rank: 10

DFEN

DFEN Risk / Return Rank: 23
DFEN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 20
DFEN Sortino Ratio Rank: 27
DFEN Omega Ratio Rank: 24
DFEN Calmar Ratio Rank: 23
DFEN Martin Ratio Rank: 20

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.

UBOT vs. DFEN - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Direxion Robotics, Artificial Intelligence & Automation Index Bull 3X Shares (UBOT) 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.

	UBOT	DFEN	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.03	0.47	-0.49
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.34	1.11	-0.77
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.04	1.13	-0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.04	0.75	-0.79
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.10	1.61	-1.71

UBOT vs. DFEN - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current UBOT Sharpe Ratio is -0.03, which is lower than the DFEN Sharpe Ratio of 0.47. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of UBOT 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

UBOT vs. DFEN - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum UBOT drawdown since its inception was -86.24%, smaller than the maximum DFEN drawdown of -91.36%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for UBOT and DFEN.

Drawdown Indicators

	UBOT	DFEN	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-86.24%	-91.36%	+5.12%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-35.90%	-41.75%	+5.85%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-51.64%	-43.13%	-8.51%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-82.90%	-51.96%	-30.94%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-58.63%	-31.01%	-27.62%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-49.86%	-44.95%	-4.91%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	13.95%	19.36%	-5.41%

Volatility

UBOT vs. DFEN - Volatility Comparison

Direxion Robotics, Artificial Intelligence & Automation Index Bull 3X Shares (UBOT) has a higher volatility of 19.42% compared to Direxion Daily Aerospace & Defense Bull 3X Shares (DFEN) at 16.39%. This indicates that UBOT'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

	UBOT	DFEN	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	19.42%	16.39%	+3.03%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	42.46%	54.29%	-11.83%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	52.53%	66.76%	-14.23%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	53.88%	60.52%	-6.64%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	63.57%	71.51%	-7.94%

UBOT vs. DFEN - Expense Ratio Comparison

UBOT has a 1.29% expense ratio, which is higher than DFEN's 0.96% expense ratio.

Dividends

UBOT vs. DFEN - Dividend Comparison

UBOT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.15%, less than DFEN's 8.43% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DFEN Direxion Daily Aerospace & Defense Bull 3X Shares	8.43%	8.89%	14.12%	1.13%	0.46%	1.89%	0.48%	0.50%	1.07%	1.50%
UBOT Direxion Robotics, Artificial Intelligence & Automation Index Bull 3X Shares	1.15%	0.78%	1.45%	0.65%	0.00%	2.25%	15.83%	0.55%	0.33%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both UBOT and DFEN in my portfolio?

UBOT and DFEN have a correlation of 0.53, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, UBOT or DFEN?

UBOT has higher volatility (19.42%) compared to DFEN (16.39%). In terms of maximum drawdown, UBOT dropped -86.24% vs DFEN's -91.36%.

Which ETF is better, UBOT or DFEN?

On 5-year performance, DFEN leads with 31.33% vs -10.84% for UBOT. On fees, DFEN is cheaper at 0.96% per year. On volatility, DFEN has been the lower-risk option at 16.39%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, UBOT or DFEN?

Over the 5-year period, DFEN has performed better with a 31.33% return vs -10.84%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, UBOT or DFEN?

DFEN is cheaper with a 0.96% expense ratio, compared with 1.29% for UBOT.

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

DFEN has the higher dividend yield at 8.43%, compared with 1.15% for UBOT.

What is the main difference between UBOT and DFEN?

UBOT is categorized as Robotics, while DFEN is Leveraged Equities. UBOT tracks Indxx Global Robotics & Artificial Intelligence Thematic Index (300%), while DFEN tracks Dow Jones U.S. Select Aerospace & Defense Index (300% Daily). Their fees differ too: 1.29% for UBOT and 0.96% for DFEN.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFEN currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.47 vs -0.03), 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.