HUSV vs SOXL
First Trust Horizon Managed Volatility Domestic ETF vs Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bull 3X ETF
Quick Verdict
HUSV has a lower expense ratio. SOXL delivered stronger 1-year returns. HUSV offers more diversification with 102 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | HUSV | SOXL | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.70% | 0.75% | |
| AUM | $85M | $24.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.27% | 0.01% | |
| Holdings | 102 | 43 | |
| YTD Return | +7.03% | +155.29% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.29% | +375.74% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +9.95% | +78.72% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.59% | +23.06% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.2% | 87.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -35.7% | -90.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Aug 24, 2016 | Mar 11, 2010 |
HUSV vs SOXL Performance
First Trust Horizon Managed Volatility Domestic ETF (HUSV) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bull 3X ETF (SOXL) is a ETF from Direxion Shares ETF Trust. Over the past year HUSV returned +3.29% while SOXL returned +375.74%. Year to date, HUSV is up 7.03% versus a gain of 155.29% for SOXL.
Over three years, HUSV compounded at +9.95% per year against +78.72% for SOXL; over five years the annualized figures are +5.59% and +23.06% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, SOXL has the edge at +37.43% annualized vs +8.33%. 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 13.2% for HUSV. 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 -35.7% for HUSV 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 0.38. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HUSV charges 0.70% per year while SOXL charges 0.75%. On a $10,000 position that is $70 vs $75 annually, a gap of $5 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HUSV currently yields 1.27% against 0.01% for SOXL.
Holdings Overlap
HUSV and SOXL share 0 holdings out of 136 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, HUSV or SOXL?
HUSV has an expense ratio of 0.70% while SOXL charges 0.75%. HUSV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $5 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HUSV or SOXL?
Over the past year HUSV returned +3.29% vs +375.74% for SOXL, so SOXL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), HUSV annualized +8.33% vs +37.43% for SOXL. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HUSV or SOXL?
SOXL has been the more volatile fund at 87.7% annualized versus 13.2% for HUSV. Worst drawdown: HUSV -35.7% vs SOXL -90.5%.
Should I hold both HUSV and SOXL?
HUSV and SOXL have a monthly-return correlation of 0.38, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between HUSV and SOXL?
HUSV and SOXL share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 136 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, HUSV or SOXL?
HUSV yields 1.27% while SOXL yields 0.01%, so HUSV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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