BABU vs. NUGT

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

BABU (Direxion Daily BABA Bull 2X ETF) and NUGT (Direxion Daily Gold Miners Index Bull 2X ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - BABU is a Leveraged Equities fund tracking the Alibaba Group Holding Limited (BABA), while NUGT is a Gold fund tracking the MarketVector Global Gold Miners Index (200%). Both are passively managed. At a 0.31 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. BABU charges 0.97%/yr vs 1.13%/yr for NUGT.

Performance

BABU vs. NUGT - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

BABU

• 1D: -0.18%
• 1M: 8.88%
• 6M: —
• YTD: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

NUGT

• 1D: -7.01%
• 1M: -34.26%
• 6M: -55.58%
• YTD: -43.28%
• 1Y: 42.42%
• 3Y*: 40.37%
• 5Y*: 13.60%
• 10Y*: -15.94%

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

BABU vs. NUGT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
BABU Direxion Daily BABA Bull 2X ETF	-54.07%
NUGT Direxion Daily Gold Miners Index Bull 2X ETF	-58.74%

Correlation

The correlation between BABU and NUGT is 0.31, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 11, 2026	0.31

Return for Risk

BABU vs. NUGT — Risk / Return Rank

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

BABU

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

NUGT

NUGT Risk / Return Rank: 21
NUGT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 17
NUGT Sortino Ratio Rank: 25
NUGT Omega Ratio Rank: 27
NUGT Calmar Ratio Rank: 19
NUGT Martin Ratio Rank: 17

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.

BABU vs. NUGT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Direxion Daily BABA Bull 2X ETF (BABU) and Direxion Daily Gold Miners Index Bull 2X ETF (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.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	BABU	NUGT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	0.45	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	1.17	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.16	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	0.64	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	1.38	—

Drawdowns

BABU vs. NUGT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BABU drawdown since its inception was -69.52%, smaller than the maximum NUGT drawdown of -99.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BABU and NUGT.

Drawdown Indicators

	BABU	NUGT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-69.52%	-99.97%	+30.45%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-66.74%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-66.74%	—
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	-54.07%	-99.87%	+45.80%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-41.53%	-91.56%	+50.03%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	30.85%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	BABU	NUGT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	23.78%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	80.17%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	84.80%	95.33%	-10.53%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	84.80%	73.34%	+11.46%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	84.80%	87.69%	-2.89%

BABU vs. NUGT - Expense Ratio Comparison

BABU has a 0.97% expense ratio, which is lower than NUGT's 1.13% expense ratio.

Dividends

BABU vs. NUGT - Dividend Comparison

BABU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.88%, more than NUGT's 0.69% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
BABU Direxion Daily BABA Bull 2X ETF	0.88%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
NUGT Direxion Daily Gold Miners Index Bull 2X ETF	0.69%	0.22%	1.79%	1.67%	0.70%	0.00%	0.00%	0.63%	0.57%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BABU and NUGT in my portfolio?

BABU and NUGT have a correlation of 0.31, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, BABU or NUGT?

On fees, BABU 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, BABU or NUGT?

BABU is cheaper with a 0.97% expense ratio, compared with 1.13% for NUGT.

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

BABU has the higher dividend yield at 0.88%, compared with 0.69% for NUGT.

What is the main difference between BABU and NUGT?

BABU is categorized as Leveraged Equities, while NUGT is Gold. BABU tracks Alibaba Group Holding Limited (BABA), while NUGT tracks MarketVector Global Gold Miners Index (200%). Their fees differ too: 0.97% for BABU and 1.13% for NUGT.