AOD vs SOXL
Abrdn Total Dynamic Dividend Fund vs Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bull 3X ETF
Quick Verdict
SOXL has a lower expense ratio. SOXL delivered stronger 1-year returns. AOD offers more diversification with 86 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AOD | SOXL | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.16% | 0.75% | |
| AUM | $1.0B | $18.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 11.72% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 86 | 43 | |
| YTD Return | +18.81% | +207.71% | |
| 1Y Return | +32.65% | +396.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +23.20% | +85.73% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.13% | +27.84% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.9% | 87.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -88.1% | -90.5% | |
| Fund Family | Aberdeen | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2007 | Mar 11, 2010 |
AOD vs SOXL Performance
Abrdn Total Dynamic Dividend Fund (AOD) is a ETF from Aberdeen and Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bull 3X ETF (SOXL) is a ETF from Direxion Shares ETF Trust. Over the past year AOD returned +32.65% while SOXL returned +396.62%. Year to date, AOD is up 18.81% versus a gain of 207.71% for SOXL.
Over three years, AOD compounded at +23.20% per year against +85.73% for SOXL; over five years the annualized figures are +11.13% and +27.84% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, SOXL has the edge at +39.06% annualized vs -4.01%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SOXL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 87.9% compared with 21.9% for AOD. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -88.1% for AOD and -90.5% for SOXL. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.64. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AOD charges 1.16% per year while SOXL charges 0.75%. On a $10,000 position that is $116 vs $75 annually, a gap of $41 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AOD currently yields 11.72% against 0.00% for SOXL.
Holdings Overlap
AOD and SOXL share 3 holdings out of 114 unique holdings combined, representing a 5.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AOD or SOXL?
AOD has an expense ratio of 1.16% while SOXL charges 0.75%. SOXL is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $41 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AOD or SOXL?
Over the past year AOD returned +32.65% vs +396.62% for SOXL, so SOXL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), AOD annualized -4.01% vs +39.06% for SOXL. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AOD or SOXL?
SOXL has been the more volatile fund at 87.9% annualized versus 21.9% for AOD. Worst drawdown: AOD -88.1% vs SOXL -90.5%.
Should I hold both AOD and SOXL?
AOD and SOXL have a monthly-return correlation of 0.64, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AOD and SOXL?
AOD and SOXL share 3 common holdings with a 5.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 114 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AOD or SOXL?
AOD yields 11.72% while SOXL yields 0.00%, so AOD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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