AWF vs SOXL
AllianceBernstein Global High Income Fund vs Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bull 3X ETF
Quick Verdict
SOXL has a lower expense ratio. SOXL delivered stronger 1-year returns. AWF offers more diversification with 1,273 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AWF | SOXL | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.00% | 0.75% | |
| AUM | $973M | $24.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.98% | 0.01% | |
| Holdings | 1,273 | 43 | |
| YTD Return | -0.68% | +155.29% | |
| 1Y Return | -2.04% | +375.74% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +8.80% | +78.72% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.73% | +23.06% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.2% | 87.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -60.0% | -90.5% | |
| Fund Family | AllianceBernstein L.P. | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Alternative | |
| Inception | Jul 28, 1993 | Mar 11, 2010 |
AWF vs SOXL Performance
AllianceBernstein Global High Income Fund (AWF) is a ETF from AllianceBernstein L.P. and Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bull 3X ETF (SOXL) is a ETF from Direxion Shares ETF Trust. Over the past year AWF returned -2.04% while SOXL returned +375.74%. Year to date, AWF is down 0.68% versus a gain of 155.29% for SOXL.
Over three years, AWF compounded at +8.80% per year against +78.72% for SOXL; over five years the annualized figures are +3.73% and +23.06% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, SOXL has the edge at +37.43% annualized vs +0.92%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SOXL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 87.7% compared with 18.2% for AWF. 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 -60.0% for AWF 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 0.49. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AWF charges 1.00% per year while SOXL charges 0.75%. On a $10,000 position that is $100 vs $75 annually, a gap of $25 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AWF currently yields 6.98% against 0.01% for SOXL.
Holdings Overlap
AWF and SOXL share 0 holdings out of 742 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AWF or SOXL?
AWF has an expense ratio of 1.00% while SOXL charges 0.75%. SOXL is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $25 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AWF or SOXL?
Over the past year AWF returned -2.04% vs +375.74% for SOXL, so SOXL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), AWF annualized +0.92% vs +37.43% for SOXL. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AWF or SOXL?
SOXL has been the more volatile fund at 87.7% annualized versus 18.2% for AWF. Worst drawdown: AWF -60.0% vs SOXL -90.5%.
Should I hold both AWF and SOXL?
AWF and SOXL have a monthly-return correlation of 0.49, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AWF and SOXL?
AWF and SOXL share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 742 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AWF or SOXL?
AWF yields 6.98% while SOXL yields 0.01%, so AWF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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