FNGD vs. GDXU

Last updated Aug 3, 2026

FNGD (MicroSectors FANG+™ Index -3X Inverse Leveraged ETN) and GDXU (MicroSectors Gold Miners 3X Leveraged ETNs due June 29, 2040) are both Leveraged Equities funds from BMO - FNGD tracks the NYSE FANG+ Index (Gross Total Return, -300% Daily) while GDXU tracks the S-Network MicroSectors Gold Miners Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, FNGD returned -63.24%/yr vs -14.38%/yr for GDXU. Their -0.23 correlation means they have often moved in opposite directions in the past. Both charge a 0.95% expense ratio.

Performance

FNGD vs. GDXU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in MicroSectors FANG+™ Index -3X Inverse Leveraged ETN (FNGD) and MicroSectors Gold Miners 3X Leveraged ETNs due June 29, 2040 (GDXU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FNGD achieves a -34.80% return, which is significantly higher than GDXU's -69.22% return.

FNGD

• 1D: -5.03%
• 1M: -4.69%
• 6M: -39.93%
• YTD: -34.80%
• 1Y: -48.33%
• 3Y*: -64.85%
• 5Y*: -63.24%
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: -69.95%

GDXU

• 1D: -10.43%
• 1M: -21.69%
• 6M: -73.59%
• YTD: -69.22%
• 1Y: 8.47%
• 3Y*: 27.81%
• 5Y*: -14.38%
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: -18.76%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
FNGD MicroSectors FANG+™ Index -3X Inverse Leveraged ETN	$13.50M	$14.88M	$20.27M
GDXU MicroSectors Gold Miners 3X Leveraged ETNs due June 29, 2040	$99.61M	$115.40M	$172.82M

FNGD vs. GDXU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
FNGD MicroSectors FANG+™ Index -3X Inverse Leveraged ETN	-34.80%	-61.42%	-76.57%	-90.14%	52.21%	-60.04%	-23.10%
GDXU MicroSectors Gold Miners 3X Leveraged ETNs due June 29, 2040	-69.22%	796.47%	-18.60%	-21.36%	-62.82%	-54.93%	4.32%

Correlation

The correlation between FNGD and GDXU is -0.33, meaning they have often moved in opposite directions in the past. This relationship can weaken or reverse as market conditions change.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	-0.33
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history.	-0.22
Correlation (5Y) Shows whether the relationship held over a longer period.	-0.22
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 3, 2020	-0.23

The correlation between FNGD and GDXU shifts across timeframes, from -0.33 (1 year) to -0.22 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

FNGD vs. GDXU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FNGD	GDXU
Technology	59.6%	-
Communication Services	30.0%	-
Consumer Cyclical	10.4%	-
Financial Services	10.0%	-
Basic Materials	-	100.0%
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

FNGD vs. GDXU — Risk / Return Rank

Compare historical risk-adjusted metric ranks over the past 12 months.

FNGD

FNGD Risk / Return Rank: 4
FNGD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 4
FNGD Sortino Ratio Rank: 4
FNGD Omega Ratio Rank: 4
FNGD Calmar Ratio Rank: 4
FNGD Martin Ratio Rank: 2

GDXU

GDXU Risk / Return Rank: 20
GDXU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 12
GDXU Sortino Ratio Rank: 31
GDXU Omega Ratio Rank: 33
GDXU Calmar Ratio Rank: 13
GDXU Martin Ratio Rank: 13

The rank (0–100) uses a weighted average of the Sharpe, Sortino, Omega, Calmar, and Martin percentile ranks for the trailing 12 months. Higher means stronger historical risk-adjusted performance within the peer group.

FNGD vs. GDXU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for MicroSectors FANG+™ Index -3X Inverse Leveraged ETN (FNGD) and MicroSectors Gold Miners 3X Leveraged ETNs due June 29, 2040 (GDXU). 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.

	FNGD	GDXU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.67	0.09	-0.75
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.76	1.17	-1.93
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.91	1.15	-0.24
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.68	0.15	-0.82
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.26	0.27	-1.53

FNGD vs. GDXU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FNGD Sharpe Ratio is -0.67, which is lower than the GDXU Sharpe Ratio of 0.09. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FNGD and GDXU, 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

FNGD vs. GDXU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FNGD drawdown since its inception was -100.00%, which is greater than GDXU's maximum drawdown of -94.39%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FNGD and GDXU.

Drawdown Indicators

	FNGD	GDXU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-100.00%	-94.39%	-5.61%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-65.92%	-87.14%	+21.22%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-97.35%	-87.14%	-10.21%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-99.67%	-91.30%	-8.37%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-100.00%	-85.71%	-14.29%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-87.46%	-70.08%	-17.38%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	35.26%	48.64%	-13.38%

Volatility

FNGD vs. GDXU - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for MicroSectors FANG+™ Index -3X Inverse Leveraged ETN (FNGD) is 18.15%, while MicroSectors Gold Miners 3X Leveraged ETNs due June 29, 2040 (GDXU) has a volatility of 38.79%. This indicates that FNGD experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than GDXU based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FNGD	GDXU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	18.15%	38.79%	-20.64%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	54.65%	125.93%	-71.28%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	66.81%	147.32%	-80.51%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	89.78%	113.44%	-23.66%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	90.95%	111.56%	-20.61%

FNGD vs. GDXU - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both FNGD and GDXU have an expense ratio of 0.95%.

Dividends

FNGD vs. GDXU - Dividend Comparison

Neither FNGD nor GDXU has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FNGD and GDXU in my portfolio?

FNGD and GDXU have a correlation of -0.33, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FNGD or GDXU?

GDXU has higher volatility (38.79%) compared to FNGD (18.15%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FNGD dropped -100.00% vs GDXU's -94.39%.

Which ETF is better, FNGD or GDXU?

On 5-year performance, GDXU leads with -14.38% vs -63.24% for FNGD. Both ETFs have the same 0.95% expense ratio. On volatility, FNGD has been the lower-risk option at 18.15%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FNGD or GDXU?

Over the 5-year period, GDXU has performed better with a -14.38% return vs -63.24%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FNGD or GDXU?

FNGD and GDXU have the same expense ratio: 0.95% per year.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FNGD or GDXU?

FNGD and GDXU have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between FNGD and GDXU?

FNGD tracks NYSE FANG+ Index (Gross Total Return, -300% Daily), while GDXU tracks S-Network MicroSectors Gold Miners Index.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GDXU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.09 vs -0.67), 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.