DUG vs. NRGD

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

DUG (ProShares UltraShort Oil & Gas) and NRGD (MicroSectors U.S. Big Oil Index -3X Inverse Leveraged ETN) are both Leveraged Equities funds - DUG tracks the DJ Global United States (All) / Oil & Gas -IND (-200%) while NRGD tracks the Solactive MicroSectors U.S. Big Oil Index (-300%). Both are passively managed. Over the past year, DUG returned -38.97% vs -69.06% for NRGD. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. Both charge a 0.95% expense ratio.

Performance

DUG vs. NRGD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ProShares UltraShort Oil & Gas (DUG) and MicroSectors U.S. Big Oil Index -3X Inverse Leveraged ETN (NRGD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DUG achieves a -35.95% return, which is significantly higher than NRGD's -62.34% return.

DUG

• 1D: -2.63%
• 1M: 18.26%
• YTD: -35.95%
• 6M: -37.15%
• 1Y: -38.97%
• 3Y*: -26.05%
• 5Y*: -36.45%
• 10Y*: -31.27%

NRGD

• 1D: -4.96%
• 1M: 19.91%
• YTD: -62.34%
• 6M: -63.34%
• 1Y: -69.06%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

DUG vs. NRGD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
DUG ProShares UltraShort Oil & Gas	-35.95%	-6.52%
NRGD MicroSectors U.S. Big Oil Index -3X Inverse Leveraged ETN	-62.34%	-35.40%

Correlation

The correlation between DUG and NRGD is 0.93, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.93
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 20, 2025	0.94

The correlation between DUG and NRGD has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.93 to 0.94 - a consistent structural relationship.

DUG vs. NRGD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DUG	NRGD
Financial Services	33.3%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	100.0%
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

DUG vs. NRGD — Risk / Return Rank

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

DUG

DUG Risk / Return Rank: 2
DUG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 2
DUG Sortino Ratio Rank: 2
DUG Omega Ratio Rank: 2
DUG Calmar Ratio Rank: 3
DUG Martin Ratio Rank: 3

NRGD

NRGD Risk / Return Rank: 1
NRGD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 2
NRGD Sortino Ratio Rank: 1
NRGD Omega Ratio Rank: 2
NRGD Calmar Ratio Rank: 2
NRGD Martin Ratio Rank: 1

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.

DUG vs. NRGD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ProShares UltraShort Oil & Gas (DUG) and MicroSectors U.S. Big Oil Index -3X Inverse Leveraged ETN (NRGD). 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.

	DUG	NRGD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.94	-0.92	-0.02
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-1.38	-1.62	+0.23
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.86	0.83	+0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.69	-0.86	+0.18
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.23	-1.39	+0.16

DUG vs. NRGD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DUG Sharpe Ratio is -0.94, which is comparable to the NRGD Sharpe Ratio of -0.92. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DUG and NRGD, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

DUG vs. NRGD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DUG drawdown since its inception was -99.92%, which is greater than NRGD's maximum drawdown of -89.64%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DUG and NRGD.

Drawdown Indicators

	DUG	NRGD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-99.92%	-89.64%	-10.28%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-57.00%	-80.03%	+23.03%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-68.64%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-94.03%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-99.46%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-99.90%	-86.17%	-13.73%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-88.98%	-59.74%	-29.24%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	31.68%	49.71%	-18.03%

Volatility

DUG vs. NRGD - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for ProShares UltraShort Oil & Gas (DUG) is 13.99%, while MicroSectors U.S. Big Oil Index -3X Inverse Leveraged ETN (NRGD) has a volatility of 24.94%. This indicates that DUG experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than NRGD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DUG	NRGD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	13.99%	24.94%	-10.95%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	33.63%	59.71%	-26.08%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	41.89%	75.46%	-33.57%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	51.52%	88.84%	-37.32%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	58.88%	88.84%	-29.96%

DUG vs. NRGD - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both DUG and NRGD have an expense ratio of 0.95%.

Dividends

DUG vs. NRGD - Dividend Comparison

DUG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.31%, while NRGD has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
DUG ProShares UltraShort Oil & Gas	4.31%	3.21%	5.66%	4.16%	0.28%	0.00%	0.10%	0.56%	0.29%
NRGD MicroSectors U.S. Big Oil Index -3X Inverse Leveraged ETN	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DUG and NRGD in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.93, DUG and NRGD move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, DUG or NRGD?

NRGD has higher volatility (24.94%) compared to DUG (13.99%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DUG dropped -99.92% vs NRGD's -89.64%.

Which ETF is better, DUG or NRGD?

On 1-year performance, DUG leads with -38.97% vs -69.06% for NRGD. Both ETFs have the same 0.95% expense ratio. On volatility, DUG has been the lower-risk option at 13.99%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DUG or NRGD?

Over the 1-year period, DUG has performed better with a -38.97% return vs -69.06%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DUG or NRGD?

DUG and NRGD have the same expense ratio: 0.95% per year.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DUG or NRGD?

DUG has the higher dividend yield at 4.31%, compared with 0.00% for NRGD.

What is the main difference between DUG and NRGD?

DUG tracks DJ Global United States (All) / Oil & Gas -IND (-200%), while NRGD tracks Solactive MicroSectors U.S. Big Oil Index (-300%). They also come from different issuers: ProShares and BMO.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

NRGD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (-0.92 vs -0.94), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.