Top Performing Leveraged/Inverse ETFs: 08/17/2025

These were last week’s top performing leveraged and inverse ETFs. Note that because of leverage, these kinds of funds can move quickly. Always do your homework.

1. CEFZ – RiverNorth Active Income ETF

CEFZ, which invests in various global assets to generate long-term growth and income, was the top-performing leveraged ETF with gains of ~56%. After converting from a mutual fund, the CEFZ ETF gained, reflecting a structural shift in how investment products are delivered. This is because ETFs offer investors lower costs, real-time pricing, and a more tax-efficient structure, benefits that have made them the preferred choice for both retail and institutional investors.

2. MSOX – AdvisorShares MSOS Daily Leveraged ETF

MSOX, which seeks to achieve 2x the total daily return of the AdvisorShares Pure US Cannabis ETF (MSOS) through swap agreements, ranked second on the list with a ~36% weekly return. Cannabis prices rose after President Trump’s statements that he would “look at” cannabis rescheduling. These public comments come amid news that Trump has expressed support for rescheduling on multiple occasions since taking office.

3. PILL – Direxion Daily Pharmaceutical & Medical Bull 3X Shares

The PILL ETF tracks the performance of companies engaged in the research, development, manufacture, sale, or distribution of pharmaceuticals and drugs of all types. The ETF was one of the top-performing levered ETFs, returning ~21% last week, driven by indications of a September rate cut, as well as President Trump’s new tariffs. These tariffs are part of the president’s strategy to encourage drug companies to relocate their manufacturing to the United States, reversing a multi-decade decline in domestic drug production.

4. LABU – Direxion Daily S&P Biotech Bull 3x Shares

The biotech fund, LABU, gained over 18% and was one of the top-performing levered ETFs on the list. The U.S. biotech sector experienced some positive momentum last week, driven by new drug approvals and strong second-quarter earnings reports.

5. NAIL – Direxion Daily Homebuilders & Supplies Bull 3X Shares

The NAIL ETF, focusing on the US housing segment, ranked among the top-performing levered ETFs, returning ~16%, buoyed by a rise in new home sales and a decrease in existing home inventory. This is partly driven by a more favorable interest rate environment and ongoing federal infrastructure investments.

6. ETHU – 2x Ether ETF

ETHU ETF, which aims to provide 2x the daily price movements of Ether, was another ETF, ranking sixth on the Levered/ Inverse ETFs’ list with ~14.5% weekly gains. US spot Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) ETFs achieved a new combined trading volume record last week. This surge was primarily fueled by a significant increase in interest in Ether, with the ETH ETFs seeing their largest-ever daily and weekly net inflows. The record-breaking performance of the ETFs came as both BTC and ETH reached new all-time high prices.

7. ETHT – ProShares Ultra Ether ETF

ETHT, which tracks 2x the daily price movements of an index that measures the price of Ether, also featured on the list with over 14% weekly returns.

8. FLYU – MicroSectors Travel 3x Leveraged ETN

FLYU tracks 3x of the daily price movements of an index of US-listed travel-related companies, and was a contender on the list of leveraged ETFs last week. The US aviation industry often experiences increased activity in August due to the end of the summer travel season. Also, United Airlines and Hilton saw an uptick in business travel, and Southwest reports that demand is stabilizing. Despite ongoing concerns about inflation and trade, companies expect stronger revenue growth in the fourth quarter.

9. CURE – Direxion Daily Healthcare Bull 3x Shares

The CURE ETF offers 3x daily leveraged exposure to an index of healthcare stocks. The healthcare sector gained ~3% and was the fourth-best-performing sector in the last five days.

10; RETL – Direxion Daily Retail Bull 3X Shares

RETL offering 2x daily long leverage to the Russell 1000 RGS Retail Index was another contender on the list with weekly returns of ~10.5%. In July, retail sales grew by 0.5%, with June’s figures also being revised upwards. Core retail sales saw a 0.5% increase, driven by various promotions and discounts. Meanwhile, import prices rose by 0.4%, primarily due to an increase in consumer goods. This comes as consumer sentiment declined in August amid a rise in inflation expectations.

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