GDX vs. TNA

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

GDX (VanEck Gold Miners ETF) and TNA (Direxion Daily Small Cap Bull 3X Shares) are both exchange-traded funds - GDX is a Gold fund tracking the NYSE MarketVector Global Gold Miners Index, while TNA is a Leveraged Equities fund tracking the Russell 2000 Index (300%). Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, GDX returned 13.29%/yr vs 8.78%/yr for TNA. At a 0.23 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. GDX charges 0.51%/yr vs 1.14%/yr for TNA.

Performance

GDX vs. TNA - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, GDX achieves a -6.69% return, which is significantly lower than TNA's 53.14% return. Over the past 10 years, GDX has outperformed TNA with an annualized return of 13.29%, while TNA has yielded a comparatively lower 8.78% annualized return.

GDX

• 1D: 2.97%
• 1M: -16.83%
• YTD: -6.69%
• 6M: -5.89%
• 1Y: 50.59%
• 3Y*: 38.96%
• 5Y*: 17.51%
• 10Y*: 13.29%

TNA

• 1D: 2.53%
• 1M: 8.84%
• YTD: 53.14%
• 6M: 40.13%
• 1Y: 117.40%
• 3Y*: 25.74%
• 5Y*: -6.50%
• 10Y*: 8.78%

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

GDX vs. TNA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
GDX VanEck Gold Miners ETF	-6.69%	154.77%	10.63%	9.98%	-9.01%	-9.52%	23.66%	39.84%	-8.77%	11.99%
TNA Direxion Daily Small Cap Bull 3X Shares	53.14%	9.82%	7.21%	26.24%	-62.48%	27.88%	-7.82%	71.88%	-39.89%	39.15%

Correlation

The correlation between GDX and TNA is 0.40, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.40
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.34
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.32
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.19
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 19, 2008	0.23

The correlation between GDX and TNA shifts across timeframes, from 0.19 (10 years) to 0.40 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

GDX vs. TNA - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	GDX	TNA
Basic Materials	100.0%	4.8%
Communication Services	-	2.5%
Consumer Cyclical	-	8.4%
Consumer Defensive	-	2.4%
Energy	-	6.2%
Financial Services	-	15.9%
Healthcare	-	16.5%
Industrials	-	17.5%
Real Estate	-	6.2%
Technology	-	16.9%
Utilities	-	2.9%

Return for Risk

GDX vs. TNA — Risk / Return Rank

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

GDX

GDX Risk / Return Rank: 33
GDX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 34
GDX Sortino Ratio Rank: 31
GDX Omega Ratio Rank: 36
GDX Calmar Ratio Rank: 32
GDX Martin Ratio Rank: 30

TNA

TNA Risk / Return Rank: 68
TNA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 72
TNA Sortino Ratio Rank: 61
TNA Omega Ratio Rank: 54
TNA Calmar Ratio Rank: 80
TNA Martin Ratio Rank: 73

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.

GDX vs. TNA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX) and Direxion Daily Small Cap Bull 3X Shares (TNA). 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.

	GDX	TNA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.09	2.01	-0.93
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.51	2.48	-0.97
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.21	1.29	-0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.40	3.63	-2.23
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.87	11.92	-8.05

GDX vs. TNA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GDX Sharpe Ratio is 1.09, which is lower than the TNA Sharpe Ratio of 2.01. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GDX and TNA, 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

GDX vs. TNA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GDX drawdown since its inception was -80.34%, smaller than the maximum TNA drawdown of -88.09%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GDX and TNA.

Drawdown Indicators

	GDX	TNA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-80.34%	-88.09%	+7.75%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-36.28%	-32.53%	-3.75%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-36.28%	-65.78%	+29.50%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-46.51%	-82.36%	+35.85%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-49.79%	-88.09%	+38.30%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-30.91%	-35.23%	+4.32%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-40.41%	-33.92%	-6.49%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	13.11%	9.91%	+3.20%

Volatility

GDX vs. TNA - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX) is 17.20%, while Direxion Daily Small Cap Bull 3X Shares (TNA) has a volatility of 21.54%. This indicates that GDX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than TNA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GDX	TNA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	17.20%	21.54%	-4.34%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	39.15%	42.61%	-3.46%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	46.89%	58.70%	-11.81%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	36.74%	67.57%	-30.83%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	37.34%	68.54%	-31.20%

GDX vs. TNA - Expense Ratio Comparison

GDX has a 0.51% expense ratio, which is lower than TNA's 1.14% expense ratio.

Dividends

GDX vs. TNA - Dividend Comparison

GDX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.79%, more than TNA's 0.39% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GDX VanEck Gold Miners ETF	0.79%	0.74%	1.19%	1.61%	1.66%	1.67%	0.53%	0.67%	0.50%	0.76%	0.26%	0.85%
TNA Direxion Daily Small Cap Bull 3X Shares	0.39%	0.78%	0.93%	1.27%	0.31%	0.06%	0.03%	0.44%	0.36%	0.15%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GDX and TNA in my portfolio?

GDX and TNA have a correlation of 0.40, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, GDX or TNA?

TNA has higher volatility (21.54%) compared to GDX (17.20%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GDX dropped -80.34% vs TNA's -88.09%.

Which ETF is better, GDX or TNA?

On 10-year performance, GDX leads with 13.29% vs 8.78% for TNA. On fees, GDX is cheaper at 0.51% per year. On volatility, GDX has been the lower-risk option at 17.20%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, GDX or TNA?

Over the 10-year period, GDX has performed better with a 13.29% return vs 8.78%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, GDX or TNA?

GDX is cheaper with a 0.51% expense ratio, compared with 1.14% for TNA.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, GDX or TNA?

GDX has the higher dividend yield at 0.79%, compared with 0.39% for TNA.

What is the main difference between GDX and TNA?

GDX is categorized as Gold, while TNA is Leveraged Equities. GDX tracks NYSE MarketVector Global Gold Miners Index, while TNA tracks Russell 2000 Index (300%). They also come from different issuers: VanEck and Direxion. Their fees differ too: 0.51% for GDX and 1.14% for TNA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

TNA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.01 vs 1.09), 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.