UTSL vs. TSMX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

UTSL (Direxion Daily Utilities Bull 3X Shares) and TSMX (Direxion Daily TSM Bull 2X Shares) are both Leveraged Equities funds from Direxion. UTSL is passively managed, while TSMX is actively managed. Over the past year, UTSL returned 24.77% vs 240.03% for TSMX. At a 0.14 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. UTSL charges 0.99%/yr vs 1.05%/yr for TSMX.

Performance

UTSL vs. TSMX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Direxion Daily Utilities Bull 3X Shares (UTSL) and Direxion Daily TSM Bull 2X Shares (TSMX). 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 lower than TSMX's 80.35% return.

UTSL

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

TSMX

• 1D: -13.50%
• 1M: 12.92%
• YTD: 80.35%
• 6M: 88.28%
• 1Y: 240.03%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

UTSL vs. TSMX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
UTSL Direxion Daily Utilities Bull 3X Shares	11.66%	29.03%	-21.82%
TSMX Direxion Daily TSM Bull 2X Shares	80.35%	81.48%	16.84%

Correlation

The correlation between UTSL and TSMX is 0.15, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.15
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 3, 2024	0.14

UTSL vs. TSMX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

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

Return for Risk

UTSL vs. TSMX — 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

TSMX

TSMX Risk / Return Rank: 85
TSMX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 93
TSMX Sortino Ratio Rank: 75
TSMX Omega Ratio Rank: 69
TSMX Calmar Ratio Rank: 94
TSMX Martin Ratio Rank: 92

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. TSMX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Direxion Daily Utilities Bull 3X Shares (UTSL) and Direxion Daily TSM Bull 2X Shares (TSMX). 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	TSMX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.57	3.15	-2.58
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.01	3.15	-2.14
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.13	1.39	-0.26
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.87	6.92	-6.05
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.75	22.13	-20.38

UTSL vs. TSMX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current UTSL Sharpe Ratio is 0.57, which is lower than the TSMX Sharpe Ratio of 3.15. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of UTSL and TSMX, 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. TSMX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum UTSL drawdown since its inception was -79.55%, which is greater than TSMX's maximum drawdown of -63.80%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for UTSL and TSMX.

Drawdown Indicators

	UTSL	TSMX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-79.55%	-63.80%	-15.75%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-28.45%	-34.93%	+6.48%
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%	-13.50%	-4.29%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-33.16%	-15.59%	-17.57%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	14.20%	10.90%	+3.30%

Volatility

UTSL vs. TSMX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Direxion Daily Utilities Bull 3X Shares (UTSL) is 15.77%, while Direxion Daily TSM Bull 2X Shares (TSMX) has a volatility of 33.01%. This indicates that UTSL experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than TSMX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	UTSL	TSMX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	15.77%	33.01%	-17.24%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	35.31%	60.15%	-24.84%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	43.76%	76.69%	-32.93%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	51.96%	82.69%	-30.73%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	59.18%	82.69%	-23.51%

UTSL vs. TSMX - Expense Ratio Comparison

UTSL has a 0.99% expense ratio, which is lower than TSMX's 1.05% expense ratio.

Dividends

UTSL vs. TSMX - Dividend Comparison

UTSL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.63%, less than TSMX's 4.58% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
TSMX Direxion Daily TSM Bull 2X Shares	4.58%	8.01%	0.53%	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 TSMX in my portfolio?

UTSL and TSMX have a correlation of 0.15, 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 TSMX?

TSMX has higher volatility (33.01%) compared to UTSL (15.77%). In terms of maximum drawdown, UTSL dropped -79.55% vs TSMX's -63.80%.

Which ETF is better, UTSL or TSMX?

On 1-year performance, TSMX leads with 240.03% vs 24.77% for UTSL. 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 TSMX?

Over the 1-year period, TSMX has performed better with a 240.03% return vs 24.77%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, UTSL or TSMX?

UTSL is cheaper with a 0.99% expense ratio, compared with 1.05% for TSMX.

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

TSMX has the higher dividend yield at 4.58%, compared with 1.63% for UTSL.

What is the main difference between UTSL and TSMX?

Their fees differ too: 0.99% for UTSL and 1.05% for TSMX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

TSMX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.15 vs 0.57), 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.