PHDG vs SOXL
Invesco S&P 500 Downside Hedged ETF vs Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bull 3X ETF
Quick Verdict
PHDG has a lower expense ratio. SOXL delivered stronger 1-year returns. PHDG offers more diversification with 514 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PHDG | SOXL | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.39% | 0.75% | |
| AUM | $63M | $24.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.69% | 0.01% | |
| Holdings | 514 | 43 | |
| YTD Return | +10.70% | +158.70% | |
| 1Y Return | +15.16% | +373.68% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +9.75% | +78.05% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.11% | +25.29% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 9.9% | 87.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -23.6% | -90.5% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Dec 5, 2012 | Mar 11, 2010 |
PHDG vs SOXL Performance
Invesco S&P 500 Downside Hedged ETF (PHDG) 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 PHDG returned +15.16% while SOXL returned +373.68%. Year to date, PHDG is up 10.70% versus a gain of 158.70% for SOXL.
Over three years, PHDG compounded at +9.75% per year against +78.05% for SOXL; over five years the annualized figures are +4.11% and +25.29% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, SOXL has the edge at +37.54% annualized vs +4.28%. 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 9.9% for PHDG. 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 -23.6% for PHDG 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 0.59. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PHDG charges 0.39% per year while SOXL charges 0.75%. On a $10,000 position that is $39 vs $75 annually, a gap of $36 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PHDG currently yields 1.69% against 0.01% for SOXL.
Holdings Overlap
PHDG and SOXL share 17 holdings out of 512 unique holdings combined, representing a 12.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PHDG or SOXL?
PHDG has an expense ratio of 0.39% while SOXL charges 0.75%. PHDG is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $36 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PHDG or SOXL?
Over the past year PHDG returned +15.16% vs +373.68% for SOXL, so SOXL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), PHDG annualized +4.28% vs +37.54% for SOXL. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PHDG or SOXL?
SOXL has been the more volatile fund at 87.7% annualized versus 9.9% for PHDG. Worst drawdown: PHDG -23.6% vs SOXL -90.5%.
Should I hold both PHDG and SOXL?
PHDG and SOXL have a monthly-return correlation of 0.59, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PHDG and SOXL?
PHDG and SOXL share 17 common holdings with a 12.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 512 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PHDG or SOXL?
PHDG yields 1.69% while SOXL yields 0.01%, so PHDG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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