UTSL vs. FNGU

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

UTSL (Direxion Daily Utilities Bull 3X Shares) and FNGU (MicroSectors FANG+ 3X Leveraged ETNs) are both Leveraged Equities funds - UTSL tracks the Utilities Select Sector Index (300%) while FNGU tracks the NYSE FANG+ Index (Gross Total Return) (300%). Both are passively managed. Over the past year, UTSL returned 24.77% vs 17.53% for FNGU. At a 0.01 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. UTSL charges 0.99%/yr vs 2.60%/yr for FNGU.

Performance

UTSL vs. FNGU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Direxion Daily Utilities Bull 3X Shares (UTSL) and MicroSectors FANG+ 3X Leveraged ETNs (FNGU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, UTSL achieves a 11.66% return, which is significantly higher than FNGU's -0.99% return.

UTSL

• 1D: 2.11%
• 1M: -1.85%
• YTD: 11.66%
• 6M: 12.07%
• 1Y: 24.77%
• 3Y*: 24.32%
• 5Y*: 12.23%
• 10Y*: —

FNGU

• 1D: -7.64%
• 1M: -12.95%
• YTD: -0.99%
• 6M: -5.84%
• 1Y: 17.53%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

UTSL vs. FNGU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
UTSL Direxion Daily Utilities Bull 3X Shares	11.66%	11.80%
FNGU MicroSectors FANG+ 3X Leveraged ETNs	-0.99%	3.02%

Correlation

The correlation between UTSL and FNGU is -0.06, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.06
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 20, 2025	0.01

UTSL vs. FNGU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	UTSL	FNGU
Utilities	100.0%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	29.8%
Consumer Cyclical	-	9.6%
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	60.6%

Return for Risk

UTSL vs. FNGU — Risk / Return Rank

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

UTSL

UTSL Risk / Return Rank: 19
UTSL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 18
UTSL Sortino Ratio Rank: 19
UTSL Omega Ratio Rank: 19
UTSL Calmar Ratio Rank: 20
UTSL Martin Ratio Rank: 17

FNGU

FNGU Risk / Return Rank: 13
FNGU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 12
FNGU Sortino Ratio Rank: 16
FNGU Omega Ratio Rank: 16
FNGU Calmar Ratio Rank: 12
FNGU Martin Ratio Rank: 12

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.

UTSL vs. FNGU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Direxion Daily Utilities Bull 3X Shares (UTSL) and MicroSectors FANG+ 3X Leveraged ETNs (FNGU). 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.

	UTSL	FNGU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.57	0.27	+0.30
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.01	0.81	+0.20
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.13	1.10	+0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.87	0.30	+0.58
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.75	0.70	+1.05

UTSL vs. FNGU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current UTSL Sharpe Ratio is 0.57, which is higher than the FNGU Sharpe Ratio of 0.27. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of UTSL and FNGU, 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

UTSL vs. FNGU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum UTSL drawdown since its inception was -79.55%, which is greater than FNGU's maximum drawdown of -61.30%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for UTSL and FNGU.

Drawdown Indicators

	UTSL	FNGU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-79.55%	-61.30%	-18.25%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-28.45%	-59.55%	+31.10%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-46.22%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-68.01%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-17.79%	-30.82%	+13.03%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-33.16%	-22.27%	-10.89%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	14.20%	25.17%	-10.97%

Volatility

UTSL vs. FNGU - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Direxion Daily Utilities Bull 3X Shares (UTSL) is 15.77%, while MicroSectors FANG+ 3X Leveraged ETNs (FNGU) has a volatility of 33.21%. This indicates that UTSL experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FNGU based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	UTSL	FNGU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	15.77%	33.21%	-17.44%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	35.31%	52.56%	-17.25%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	43.76%	64.46%	-20.70%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	51.96%	81.18%	-29.22%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	59.18%	81.18%	-22.00%

UTSL vs. FNGU - Expense Ratio Comparison

UTSL has a 0.99% expense ratio, which is lower than FNGU's 2.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

UTSL vs. FNGU - Dividend Comparison

UTSL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.63%, while FNGU has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FNGU MicroSectors FANG+ 3X Leveraged ETNs	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
UTSL Direxion Daily Utilities Bull 3X Shares	1.63%	1.69%	1.61%	3.61%	1.15%	1.19%	1.40%	5.01%	1.46%	0.57%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both UTSL and FNGU in my portfolio?

UTSL and FNGU have a correlation of -0.06, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, UTSL or FNGU?

FNGU has higher volatility (33.21%) compared to UTSL (15.77%). In terms of maximum drawdown, UTSL dropped -79.55% vs FNGU's -61.30%.

Which ETF is better, UTSL or FNGU?

On 1-year performance, UTSL leads with 24.77% vs 17.53% for FNGU. On fees, UTSL is cheaper at 0.99% per year. On volatility, UTSL has been the lower-risk option at 15.77%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, UTSL or FNGU?

Over the 1-year period, UTSL has performed better with a 24.77% return vs 17.53%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, UTSL or FNGU?

UTSL is cheaper with a 0.99% expense ratio, compared with 2.60% for FNGU.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, UTSL or FNGU?

UTSL has the higher dividend yield at 1.63%, compared with 0.00% for FNGU.

What is the main difference between UTSL and FNGU?

UTSL tracks Utilities Select Sector Index (300%), while FNGU tracks NYSE FANG+ Index (Gross Total Return) (300%). They also come from different issuers: Direxion and Bank of Montreal. Their fees differ too: 0.99% for UTSL and 2.60% for FNGU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

UTSL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.57 vs 0.27), 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.