DUST vs TAIL
Direxion Daily Gold Miners Index Bear 2X ETF vs Cambria Tail Risk ETF
Which is better, DUST or TAIL?
TAIL has been ahead.
TAIL has a lower expense ratio. TAIL led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DUST | TAIL |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.93% | 0.59%Best |
| AUM | $89M | $152M |
| Dividend Yield | 5.07% | 3.56% |
| Holdings | 14 | 22 |
| YTD Return | -39.87% | -14.34%Best |
| 1Y Return | -55.63% | -17.22%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -66.09% | -6.11%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -51.68% | -9.78%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 70.1% | 11.1%Best |
| Max Drawdown | - | -56.3% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $263 | $5,977Best |
| Fund Family | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | Cambria Investment Management |
| Category | Alternative | Alternative |
| Style | Trading-Inverse Equity | Trading-Inverse Equity |
| Inception | Dec 8, 2010 | Apr 5, 2017 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Apr 6, 2017 to Oct 14, 2026 (9.5 years).
DUST vs TAIL growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 9.5 years both funds cover.
DUST vs TAIL Performance
Direxion Daily Gold Miners Index Bear 2X ETF (DUST) is an ETF from Direxion Shares ETF Trust and Cambria Tail Risk ETF (TAIL) is an ETF from Cambria Investment Management. Over the past year DUST returned -55.63% while TAIL returned -17.22%. Year to date, DUST is down 39.87% versus a loss of 14.34% for TAIL.
Over three years, DUST compounded at -66.09% per year against -6.11% for TAIL; over five years the annualized figures are -51.68% and -9.78% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, TAIL has the edge at -7.82% annualized vs -53.25%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DUST has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 70.1% compared with 11.1% for TAIL. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at -0.16. They move largely independently of each other.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DUST charges 0.93% per year while TAIL charges 0.59%. On a $10,000 position that is $93 vs $59 annually, a gap of $34 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DUST currently yields 5.07% against 3.56% for TAIL.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 2 holdings in DUST and 2 in TAIL, totalling 102.4% and 93.4% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 2 positions we hold weights for in DUST and 2 in TAIL, against full books of 14 and 22.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of DUST and TAIL you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DUST or TAIL?
DUST has an expense ratio of 0.93% while TAIL charges 0.59%. TAIL is the cheaper option, by $34 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, DUST or TAIL?
Over the past year DUST returned -55.63% vs -17.22% for TAIL, so TAIL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), DUST annualized -53.25% vs -7.82% for TAIL. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, DUST or TAIL?
DUST has been the more volatile fund at 70.1% annualized versus 11.1% for TAIL.
Should I hold both DUST and TAIL?
DUST and TAIL have a monthly-return correlation of -0.16, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, DUST or TAIL?
DUST yields 5.07% while TAIL yields 3.56%, so DUST currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is TAIL better than DUST?
TAIL has a lower expense ratio. TAIL led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.