GDXD vs. GDXU

Last updated Jun 21, 2026

GDXD (MicroSectors Gold Miners -3X Inverse Leveraged ETNs) and GDXU (MicroSectors Gold Miners 3X Leveraged ETNs due June 29, 2040) are both exchange-traded funds - GDXD is a Inverse Equities fund tracking the S-Network MicroSectors Gold Miners Index - Benchmark TR Gross (-300%), while GDXU is a Leveraged Equities fund tracking the S-Network MicroSectors Gold Miners Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, GDXD returned -74.72%/yr vs -7.06%/yr for GDXU. At a correlation of -0.99, they often move in opposite directions. Both charge a 0.95% expense ratio.

Performance

GDXD vs. GDXU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in MicroSectors Gold Miners -3X Inverse Leveraged ETNs (GDXD) 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

As of year-to-date, both investments have demonstrated similar returns, with GDXD at -53.10% and GDXU at -53.10%.

GDXD

• 1D: 6.19%
• 1M: -4.28%
• YTD: -53.10%
• 6M: -52.54%
• 1Y: -93.59%
• 3Y*: -84.51%
• 5Y*: -74.72%
• 10Y*: —

GDXU

• 1D: -7.05%
• 1M: -21.70%
• YTD: -53.10%
• 6M: -56.14%
• 1Y: 53.52%
• 3Y*: 38.97%
• 5Y*: -7.06%
• 10Y*: —

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

GDXD vs. GDXU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
GDXD MicroSectors Gold Miners -3X Inverse Leveraged ETNs	-53.10%	-97.53%	-57.78%	-52.35%	-52.56%	-19.71%	-13.10%
GDXU MicroSectors Gold Miners 3X Leveraged ETNs due June 29, 2040	-53.10%	796.47%	-18.60%	-21.36%	-62.82%	-54.93%	4.32%

Correlation

The correlation between GDXD and GDXU is -1.00, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-1.00
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	-1.00
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	-0.99
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 3, 2020	-0.99

The correlation between GDXD and GDXU has been stable across timeframes, ranging from -1.00 to -0.99 - a consistent structural relationship.

GDXD vs. GDXU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	GDXD	GDXU
Basic Materials	100.0%	100.0%
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

GDXD vs. GDXU — Risk / Return Rank

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

GDXD

GDXD Risk / Return Rank: 2
GDXD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 4
GDXD Sortino Ratio Rank: 1
GDXD Omega Ratio Rank: 1
GDXD Calmar Ratio Rank: 1
GDXD Martin Ratio Rank: 3

GDXU

GDXU Risk / Return Rank: 19
GDXU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 13
GDXU Sortino Ratio Rank: 26
GDXU Omega Ratio Rank: 29
GDXU Calmar Ratio Rank: 15
GDXU Martin Ratio Rank: 14

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.

GDXD vs. GDXU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for MicroSectors Gold Miners -3X Inverse Leveraged ETNs (GDXD) 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.

	GDXD	GDXU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.66	0.32	-0.98
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-1.75	1.39	-3.14
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.82	1.19	-0.37
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.97	0.55	-1.52
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.19	1.16	-2.35

GDXD vs. GDXU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GDXD Sharpe Ratio is -0.66, which is lower than the GDXU Sharpe Ratio of 0.32. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GDXD 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

GDXD vs. GDXU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GDXD drawdown since its inception was -99.96%, which is greater than GDXU's maximum drawdown of -94.39%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GDXD and GDXU.

Drawdown Indicators

	GDXD	GDXU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-99.96%	-94.39%	-5.57%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-96.33%	-83.97%	-12.36%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-99.86%	-83.97%	-15.89%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-99.96%	-91.30%	-8.66%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-99.94%	-78.23%	-21.71%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-72.02%	-69.79%	-2.23%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	78.36%	39.50%	+38.86%

Volatility

GDXD vs. GDXU - Volatility Comparison

MicroSectors Gold Miners -3X Inverse Leveraged ETNs (GDXD) and MicroSectors Gold Miners 3X Leveraged ETNs due June 29, 2040 (GDXU) have volatilities of 52.17% and 54.17%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GDXD	GDXU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	52.17%	54.17%	-2.00%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	116.83%	125.50%	-8.67%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	142.52%	143.67%	-1.15%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	111.31%	112.20%	-0.89%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	110.50%	111.15%	-0.65%

GDXD vs. GDXU - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

GDXD vs. GDXU - Dividend Comparison

Neither GDXD nor GDXU has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GDXD and GDXU in my portfolio?

GDXD and GDXU have a correlation of -1.00, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, GDXD or GDXU?

GDXU has higher volatility (54.17%) compared to GDXD (52.17%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GDXD dropped -99.96% vs GDXU's -94.39%.

Which ETF is better, GDXD or GDXU?

On 5-year performance, GDXU leads with -7.06% vs -74.72% for GDXD. Both ETFs have the same 0.95% expense ratio. On volatility, GDXD has been the lower-risk option at 52.17%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, GDXD or GDXU?

Over the 5-year period, GDXU has performed better with a -7.06% return vs -74.72%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, GDXD or GDXU?

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

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

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

What is the main difference between GDXD and GDXU?

GDXD is categorized as Inverse Equities, while GDXU is Leveraged Equities. GDXD tracks S-Network MicroSectors Gold Miners Index - Benchmark TR Gross (-300%), while GDXU tracks S-Network MicroSectors Gold Miners Index.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GDXU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.32 vs -0.66), 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.