ETW vs SOXL
Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Global Buy-Write Opportunities Fund vs Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bull 3X ETF
Quick Verdict
SOXL has a lower expense ratio. SOXL delivered stronger 1-year returns. ETW offers more diversification with 291 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ETW | SOXL | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.10% | 0.75% | |
| AUM | $936M | $24.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.47% | 0.01% | |
| Holdings | 291 | 43 | |
| YTD Return | +12.70% | +155.29% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.91% | +375.74% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.63% | +78.72% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.41% | +23.06% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.9% | 87.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -72.8% | -90.5% | |
| Fund Family | Eaton Vance | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | |
| Category | Alternative | Alternative | |
| Inception | Sep 30, 2005 | Mar 11, 2010 |
ETW vs SOXL Performance
Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Global Buy-Write Opportunities Fund (ETW) is a ETF from Eaton Vance and Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bull 3X ETF (SOXL) is a ETF from Direxion Shares ETF Trust. Over the past year ETW returned +20.91% while SOXL returned +375.74%. Year to date, ETW is up 12.70% versus a gain of 155.29% for SOXL.
Over three years, ETW compounded at +17.63% per year against +78.72% for SOXL; over five years the annualized figures are +6.41% and +23.06% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, SOXL has the edge at +37.43% annualized vs -1.05%. 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 16.9% for ETW. 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 -72.8% for ETW 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 0.61. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ETW charges 1.10% per year while SOXL charges 0.75%. On a $10,000 position that is $110 vs $75 annually, a gap of $35 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ETW currently yields 7.47% against 0.01% for SOXL.
Holdings Overlap
ETW and SOXL share 8 holdings out of 286 unique holdings combined, representing a 12.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ETW or SOXL?
ETW has an expense ratio of 1.10% while SOXL charges 0.75%. SOXL is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $35 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ETW or SOXL?
Over the past year ETW returned +20.91% vs +375.74% for SOXL, so SOXL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), ETW annualized -1.05% vs +37.43% for SOXL. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ETW or SOXL?
SOXL has been the more volatile fund at 87.7% annualized versus 16.9% for ETW. Worst drawdown: ETW -72.8% vs SOXL -90.5%.
Should I hold both ETW and SOXL?
ETW and SOXL have a monthly-return correlation of 0.61, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ETW and SOXL?
ETW and SOXL share 8 common holdings with a 12.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 286 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ETW or SOXL?
ETW yields 7.47% while SOXL yields 0.01%, so ETW currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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