CGW vs SOXL
Invesco S&P Global Water Index ETF vs Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bull 3X ETF
Quick Verdict
CGW has a lower expense ratio. SOXL delivered stronger 1-year returns. CGW offers more diversification with 82 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CGW | SOXL | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.58% | 0.75% | |
| AUM | $1.1B | $24.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.54% | 0.01% | |
| Holdings | 82 | 43 | |
| YTD Return | +2.34% | +155.29% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.85% | +375.74% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.23% | +78.72% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.55% | +23.06% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.3% | 87.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -57.2% | -90.5% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | May 14, 2007 | Mar 11, 2010 |
CGW vs SOXL Performance
Invesco S&P Global Water Index ETF (CGW) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bull 3X ETF (SOXL) is a ETF from Direxion Shares ETF Trust. Over the past year CGW returned +2.85% while SOXL returned +375.74%. Year to date, CGW is up 2.34% versus a gain of 155.29% for SOXL.
Over three years, CGW compounded at +11.23% per year against +78.72% for SOXL; over five years the annualized figures are +3.55% and +23.06% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, SOXL has the edge at +37.43% annualized vs +7.18%. 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 17.3% for CGW. 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 -57.2% for CGW 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 0.56. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CGW charges 0.58% per year while SOXL charges 0.75%. On a $10,000 position that is $58 vs $75 annually, a gap of $17 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CGW currently yields 1.54% against 0.01% for SOXL.
Holdings Overlap
CGW and SOXL share 0 holdings out of 102 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, CGW or SOXL?
CGW has an expense ratio of 0.58% while SOXL charges 0.75%. CGW is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $17 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CGW or SOXL?
Over the past year CGW returned +2.85% vs +375.74% for SOXL, so SOXL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), CGW annualized +7.18% vs +37.43% for SOXL. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CGW or SOXL?
SOXL has been the more volatile fund at 87.7% annualized versus 17.3% for CGW. Worst drawdown: CGW -57.2% vs SOXL -90.5%.
Should I hold both CGW and SOXL?
CGW and SOXL have a monthly-return correlation of 0.56, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CGW and SOXL?
CGW and SOXL share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 102 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CGW or SOXL?
CGW yields 1.54% while SOXL yields 0.01%, so CGW currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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