WEBL vs. DFEN

Last updated Jul 22, 2026

WEBL (Daily Dow Jones Internet Bull 3X Shares) and DFEN (Direxion Daily Aerospace & Defense Bull 3X Shares) are both Leveraged Equities funds from Direxion - WEBL tracks the Dow Jones Internet Composite Index (300%) while DFEN tracks the Dow Jones U.S. Select Aerospace & Defense Index (300% Daily). Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, WEBL returned -22.59%/yr vs 31.33%/yr for DFEN. At a 0.44 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. WEBL charges 1.17%/yr vs 0.96%/yr for DFEN.

Performance

WEBL vs. DFEN - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Daily Dow Jones Internet Bull 3X Shares (WEBL) 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, WEBL achieves a -11.51% return, which is significantly lower than DFEN's 5.27% return.

WEBL

• 1D: -0.86%
• 1M: 3.14%
• 6M: 4.09%
• YTD: -11.51%
• 1Y: -19.70%
• 3Y*: 25.10%
• 5Y*: -22.59%
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 0.07%

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)

WEBL vs. DFEN - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
WEBL Daily Dow Jones Internet Bull 3X Shares	-11.51%	2.37%	76.78%	165.50%	-91.04%	2.73%	132.56%	10.36%
DFEN Direxion Daily Aerospace & Defense Bull 3X Shares	5.27%	156.62%	27.07%	24.70%	6.99%	12.72%	-70.23%	-3.01%

Correlation

The correlation between WEBL and DFEN is 0.33, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.33
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.42
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.48
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 7, 2019	0.44

The correlation between WEBL and DFEN shifts across timeframes, from 0.33 (1 year) to 0.48 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

WEBL vs. DFEN - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	WEBL	DFEN
Technology	8.5%	0.0%
Communication Services	5.0%	-
Consumer Cyclical	4.1%	-
Financial Services	0.4%	-
Healthcare	0.2%	-
Industrials	0.2%	22.0%
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

WEBL vs. DFEN — Risk / Return Rank

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

WEBL

WEBL Risk / Return Rank: 7
WEBL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 7
WEBL Sortino Ratio Rank: 8
WEBL Omega Ratio Rank: 8
WEBL Calmar Ratio Rank: 7
WEBL Martin Ratio Rank: 7

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.

WEBL vs. DFEN - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Daily Dow Jones Internet Bull 3X Shares (WEBL) 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.

	WEBL	DFEN	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.33	0.47	-0.80
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.10	1.11	-1.21
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.99	1.13	-0.14
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.35	0.75	-1.10
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.70	1.61	-2.31

WEBL vs. DFEN - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current WEBL Sharpe Ratio is -0.33, which is lower than the DFEN Sharpe Ratio of 0.47. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of WEBL 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

WEBL vs. DFEN - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum WEBL drawdown since its inception was -94.44%, roughly equal to the maximum DFEN drawdown of -91.36%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for WEBL and DFEN.

Drawdown Indicators

	WEBL	DFEN	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-94.44%	-91.36%	-3.08%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-56.57%	-41.75%	-14.82%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-60.82%	-43.13%	-17.69%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-94.44%	-51.96%	-42.48%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-73.95%	-31.01%	-42.94%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-59.13%	-44.95%	-14.18%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	28.27%	19.36%	+8.91%

Volatility

WEBL vs. DFEN - Volatility Comparison

Daily Dow Jones Internet Bull 3X Shares (WEBL) and Direxion Daily Aerospace & Defense Bull 3X Shares (DFEN) have volatilities of 15.82% and 16.39%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	WEBL	DFEN	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	15.82%	16.39%	-0.57%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	47.69%	54.29%	-6.60%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	59.30%	66.76%	-7.46%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	81.11%	60.52%	+20.59%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	82.56%	71.51%	+11.05%

WEBL vs. DFEN - Expense Ratio Comparison

WEBL has a 1.17% expense ratio, which is higher than DFEN's 0.96% expense ratio.

Dividends

WEBL vs. DFEN - Dividend Comparison

WEBL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.18%, 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%
WEBL Daily Dow Jones Internet Bull 3X Shares	0.18%	0.25%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	4.79%	0.00%	0.06%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both WEBL and DFEN in my portfolio?

WEBL and DFEN have a correlation of 0.33, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, WEBL or DFEN?

DFEN has higher volatility (16.39%) compared to WEBL (15.82%). In terms of maximum drawdown, WEBL dropped -94.44% vs DFEN's -91.36%.

Which ETF is better, WEBL or DFEN?

On 5-year performance, DFEN leads with 31.33% vs -22.59% for WEBL. On fees, DFEN is cheaper at 0.96% per year. On volatility, WEBL has been the lower-risk option at 15.82%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, WEBL or DFEN?

Over the 5-year period, DFEN has performed better with a 31.33% return vs -22.59%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, WEBL or DFEN?

DFEN is cheaper with a 0.96% expense ratio, compared with 1.17% for WEBL.

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

DFEN has the higher dividend yield at 8.43%, compared with 0.18% for WEBL.

What is the main difference between WEBL and DFEN?

WEBL tracks Dow Jones Internet Composite Index (300%), while DFEN tracks Dow Jones U.S. Select Aerospace & Defense Index (300% Daily). Their fees differ too: 1.17% for WEBL and 0.96% for DFEN.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFEN currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.47 vs -0.33), 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.