ASMU vs. NUGT

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

ASMU (Direxion Daily ASML Bull 2X ETF) and NUGT (Direxion Daily Gold Miners Bull 2X Shares) are both Leveraged Equities funds from Direxion. ASMU is actively managed, while NUGT is passively managed. A 0.53 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. ASMU charges 0.97%/yr vs 1.23%/yr for NUGT.

Performance

ASMU vs. NUGT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Direxion Daily ASML Bull 2X ETF (ASMU) and Direxion Daily Gold Miners Bull 2X Shares (NUGT). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

ASMU

• 1D: 2.55%
• 1M: 50.45%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

NUGT

• 1D: -6.64%
• 1M: -4.13%
• YTD: -16.05%
• 6M: -6.29%
• 1Y: 97.46%
• 3Y*: 60.96%
• 5Y*: 16.32%
• 10Y*: -8.54%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

ASMU vs. NUGT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
ASMU Direxion Daily ASML Bull 2X ETF	30.81%
NUGT Direxion Daily Gold Miners Bull 2X Shares	-42.03%

Correlation

The correlation between ASMU and NUGT is 0.53, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 12, 2026	0.53

Return for Risk

ASMU vs. NUGT — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

NUGT

NUGT Risk / Return Rank: 32
NUGT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 29
NUGT Sortino Ratio Rank: 30
NUGT Omega Ratio Rank: 34
NUGT Calmar Ratio Rank: 37
NUGT Martin Ratio Rank: 29

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

ASMU vs. NUGT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Direxion Daily ASML Bull 2X ETF (ASMU) and Direxion Daily Gold Miners Bull 2X Shares (NUGT). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	ASMU	NUGT	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	1.09	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.23	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	-0.10	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.49	-0.33	+1.82

Drawdowns

ASMU vs. NUGT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ASMU drawdown since its inception was -34.79%, smaller than the maximum NUGT drawdown of -99.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ASMU and NUGT.

Drawdown Indicators

	ASMU	NUGT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-34.79%	-99.97%	+65.18%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-53.58%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-53.58%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-73.72%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-96.91%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-99.80%	+99.80%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-13.52%	-91.52%	+78.00%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	23.39%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	ASMU	NUGT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	30.32%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	75.18%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	95.13%	90.01%	+5.12%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	95.13%	71.96%	+23.17%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	95.13%	87.90%	+7.23%

ASMU vs. NUGT - Expense Ratio Comparison

ASMU has a 0.97% expense ratio, which is lower than NUGT's 1.23% expense ratio.

Dividends

ASMU vs. NUGT - Dividend Comparison

ASMU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.16%, less than NUGT's 0.36% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
ASMU Direxion Daily ASML Bull 2X ETF	0.16%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
NUGT Direxion Daily Gold Miners Bull 2X Shares	0.36%	0.22%	1.79%	1.67%	0.70%	0.00%	0.00%	0.63%	0.57%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ASMU and NUGT in my portfolio?

ASMU and NUGT have a correlation of 0.53, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, ASMU or NUGT?

On fees, ASMU is cheaper at 0.97% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, ASMU or NUGT?

ASMU is cheaper with a 0.97% expense ratio, compared with 1.23% for NUGT.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, ASMU or NUGT?

NUGT has the higher dividend yield at 0.36%, compared with 0.16% for ASMU.

What is the main difference between ASMU and NUGT?

Their fees differ too: 0.97% for ASMU and 1.23% for NUGT.