FAS vs. GDXJ

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

FAS (Direxion Daily Financial Bull 3X Shares) and GDXJ (VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FAS is a Leveraged Equities fund tracking the Russell 1000 Financial Services Index (300%), while GDXJ is a Gold fund tracking the MVIS Global Junior Gold Miners Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, FAS returned 21.20%/yr vs 12.00%/yr for GDXJ. At a 0.16 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. FAS charges 1.00%/yr vs 0.52%/yr for GDXJ.

Performance

FAS vs. GDXJ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Direxion Daily Financial Bull 3X Shares (FAS) and VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF (GDXJ). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FAS achieves a -13.50% return, which is significantly lower than GDXJ's -8.37% return. Over the past 10 years, FAS has outperformed GDXJ with an annualized return of 21.20%, while GDXJ has yielded a comparatively lower 12.00% annualized return.

FAS

• 1D: 4.15%
• 1M: 10.95%
• YTD: -13.50%
• 6M: -13.89%
• 1Y: 7.93%
• 3Y*: 38.21%
• 5Y*: 7.30%
• 10Y*: 21.20%

GDXJ

• 1D: 3.15%
• 1M: -17.04%
• YTD: -8.37%
• 6M: -6.68%
• 1Y: 49.74%
• 3Y*: 44.17%
• 5Y*: 16.23%
• 10Y*: 12.00%

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

FAS vs. GDXJ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FAS Direxion Daily Financial Bull 3X Shares	-13.50%	21.48%	84.47%	14.92%	-43.19%	116.59%	-34.97%	113.04%	-33.84%	67.37%
GDXJ VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF	-8.37%	172.28%	15.67%	7.12%	-14.53%	-21.25%	30.40%	40.44%	-11.02%	8.22%

Correlation

The correlation between FAS and GDXJ is 0.16, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.16
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.18
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.23
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.11
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 11, 2009	0.16

The correlation between FAS and GDXJ shifts across timeframes, from 0.11 (10 years) to 0.23 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

FAS vs. GDXJ - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FAS	GDXJ
Financial Services	98.0%	-
Technology	1.8%	-
Industrials	0.2%	-
Basic Materials	-	100.0%
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

FAS vs. GDXJ — Risk / Return Rank

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

FAS

FAS Risk / Return Rank: 11
FAS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 10
FAS Sortino Ratio Rank: 11
FAS Omega Ratio Rank: 12
FAS Calmar Ratio Rank: 10
FAS Martin Ratio Rank: 10

GDXJ

GDXJ Risk / Return Rank: 31
GDXJ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 31
GDXJ Sortino Ratio Rank: 30
GDXJ Omega Ratio Rank: 33
GDXJ Calmar Ratio Rank: 30
GDXJ Martin Ratio Rank: 28

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.

FAS vs. GDXJ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Direxion Daily Financial Bull 3X Shares (FAS) and VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF (GDXJ). 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.

	FAS	GDXJ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.03	1.00	-0.97
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.34	1.45	-1.11
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.04	1.20	-0.16
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.03	1.30	-1.27
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.08	3.55	-3.48

FAS vs. GDXJ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FAS Sharpe Ratio is 0.03, which is lower than the GDXJ Sharpe Ratio of 1.00. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FAS and GDXJ, 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

FAS vs. GDXJ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FAS drawdown since its inception was -91.61%, roughly equal to the maximum GDXJ drawdown of -88.66%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FAS and GDXJ.

Drawdown Indicators

	FAS	GDXJ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-91.61%	-88.66%	-2.95%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-40.88%	-39.47%	-1.41%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-43.10%	-39.47%	-3.63%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-66.88%	-49.08%	-17.80%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-85.99%	-57.77%	-28.22%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-20.63%	-33.25%	+12.62%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-31.12%	-60.45%	+29.33%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	17.97%	14.41%	+3.56%

Volatility

FAS vs. GDXJ - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Direxion Daily Financial Bull 3X Shares (FAS) is 12.45%, while VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF (GDXJ) has a volatility of 19.46%. This indicates that FAS experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than GDXJ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FAS	GDXJ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	12.45%	19.46%	-7.01%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	33.46%	43.41%	-9.95%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	43.61%	51.54%	-7.93%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	55.59%	41.50%	+14.09%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	61.33%	44.23%	+17.10%

FAS vs. GDXJ - Expense Ratio Comparison

FAS has a 1.00% expense ratio, which is higher than GDXJ's 0.52% expense ratio.

Dividends

FAS vs. GDXJ - Dividend Comparison

FAS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 9.64%, more than GDXJ's 2.54% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FAS Direxion Daily Financial Bull 3X Shares	9.64%	8.21%	0.76%	1.77%	0.91%	0.60%	0.47%	0.62%	1.43%	0.11%	0.00%	0.00%
GDXJ VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF	2.54%	2.33%	2.61%	0.72%	0.51%	1.78%	1.58%	0.39%	0.45%	0.03%	4.78%	0.72%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FAS and GDXJ in my portfolio?

FAS and GDXJ have a correlation of 0.16, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FAS or GDXJ?

GDXJ has higher volatility (19.46%) compared to FAS (12.45%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FAS dropped -91.61% vs GDXJ's -88.66%.

Which ETF is better, FAS or GDXJ?

On 10-year performance, FAS leads with 21.20% vs 12.00% for GDXJ. On fees, GDXJ is cheaper at 0.52% per year. On volatility, FAS has been the lower-risk option at 12.45%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FAS or GDXJ?

Over the 10-year period, FAS has performed better with a 21.20% return vs 12.00%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FAS or GDXJ?

GDXJ is cheaper with a 0.52% expense ratio, compared with 1.00% for FAS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FAS or GDXJ?

FAS has the higher dividend yield at 9.64%, compared with 2.54% for GDXJ.

What is the main difference between FAS and GDXJ?

FAS is categorized as Leveraged Equities, while GDXJ is Gold. FAS tracks Russell 1000 Financial Services Index (300%), while GDXJ tracks MVIS Global Junior Gold Miners Index. They also come from different issuers: Direxion and VanEck. Their fees differ too: 1.00% for FAS and 0.52% for GDXJ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GDXJ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.00 vs 0.03), 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.