GDXU vs. ARMG

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

GDXU (MicroSectors Gold Miners 3X Leveraged ETN) and ARMG (Leverage Shares 2X Long ARM Daily ETF) are both Leveraged Equities funds. GDXU is passively managed, while ARMG is actively managed. Over the past year, GDXU returned 76.85% vs 443.95% for ARMG. At a 0.10 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. GDXU charges 0.95%/yr vs 0.75%/yr for ARMG.

Performance

GDXU vs. ARMG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in MicroSectors Gold Miners 3X Leveraged ETN (GDXU) and Leverage Shares 2X Long ARM Daily ETF (ARMG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, GDXU achieves a -41.62% return, which is significantly lower than ARMG's 841.05% return.

GDXU

• 1D: 3.90%
• 1M: -8.04%
• YTD: -41.62%
• 6M: -31.92%
• 1Y: 76.85%
• 3Y*: 47.72%
• 5Y*: -10.23%
• 10Y*: —

ARMG

• 1D: -9.19%
• 1M: 211.14%
• YTD: 841.05%
• 6M: 460.44%
• 1Y: 443.95%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

GDXU vs. ARMG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
GDXU MicroSectors Gold Miners 3X Leveraged ETN	-41.62%	641.06%
ARMG Leverage Shares 2X Long ARM Daily ETF	841.05%	-61.80%

Correlation

The correlation between GDXU and ARMG is 0.10, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.10
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 15, 2025	0.10

Return for Risk

GDXU vs. ARMG — Risk / Return Rank

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

GDXU

GDXU Risk / Return Rank: 25
GDXU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 19
GDXU Sortino Ratio Rank: 30
GDXU Omega Ratio Rank: 33
GDXU Calmar Ratio Rank: 23
GDXU Martin Ratio Rank: 19

ARMG

ARMG Risk / Return Rank: 81
ARMG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 93
ARMG Sortino Ratio Rank: 78
ARMG Omega Ratio Rank: 74
ARMG Calmar Ratio Rank: 93
ARMG Martin Ratio Rank: 65

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.

GDXU vs. ARMG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for MicroSectors Gold Miners 3X Leveraged ETN (GDXU) and Leverage Shares 2X Long ARM Daily ETF (ARMG). 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.

	GDXU	ARMG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.56	3.43	-2.86
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.56	3.45	-1.89
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.22	1.43	-0.22
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.04	6.57	-5.53
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.11	11.59	-9.48
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

GDXU vs. ARMG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GDXU Sharpe Ratio is 0.56, which is lower than the ARMG Sharpe Ratio of 3.43. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GDXU and ARMG, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	GDXU	ARMG	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.56	3.43	-2.86
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	-0.09	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	-0.08	1.10	-1.19

Drawdowns

GDXU vs. ARMG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GDXU drawdown since its inception was -94.39%, which is greater than ARMG's maximum drawdown of -80.28%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GDXU and ARMG.

Drawdown Indicators

	GDXU	ARMG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-94.39%	-80.28%	-14.11%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-73.99%	-68.13%	-5.86%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-73.99%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-92.93%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-72.90%	-9.19%	-63.71%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-69.77%	-52.91%	-16.86%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	36.52%	38.55%	-2.03%

Volatility

GDXU vs. ARMG - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for MicroSectors Gold Miners 3X Leveraged ETN (GDXU) is 46.65%, while Leverage Shares 2X Long ARM Daily ETF (ARMG) has a volatility of 66.47%. This indicates that GDXU experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than ARMG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GDXU	ARMG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	46.65%	66.47%	-19.82%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	118.08%	104.49%	+13.59%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	137.54%	130.67%	+6.87%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	110.85%	138.36%	-27.51%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	110.00%	138.36%	-28.36%

GDXU vs. ARMG - Expense Ratio Comparison

GDXU has a 0.95% expense ratio, which is higher than ARMG's 0.75% expense ratio.

Dividends

GDXU vs. ARMG - Dividend Comparison

GDXU has not paid dividends to shareholders, while ARMG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.52%.

Position	TTM	2025
ARMG Leverage Shares 2X Long ARM Daily ETF	0.52%	4.86%
GDXU MicroSectors Gold Miners 3X Leveraged ETN	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GDXU and ARMG in my portfolio?

GDXU and ARMG have a correlation of 0.10, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, GDXU or ARMG?

ARMG has higher volatility (66.47%) compared to GDXU (46.65%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GDXU dropped -94.39% vs ARMG's -80.28%.

Which ETF is better, GDXU or ARMG?

On 1-year performance, ARMG leads with 443.95% vs 76.85% for GDXU. On fees, ARMG is cheaper at 0.75% per year. On volatility, GDXU has been the lower-risk option at 46.65%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, GDXU or ARMG?

Over the 1-year period, ARMG has performed better with a 443.95% return vs 76.85%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, GDXU or ARMG?

ARMG is cheaper with a 0.75% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for GDXU.

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

ARMG has the higher dividend yield at 0.52%, compared with 0.00% for GDXU.

What is the main difference between GDXU and ARMG?

They also come from different issuers: BMO and Leverage Shares. Their fees differ too: 0.95% for GDXU and 0.75% for ARMG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ARMG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.43 vs 0.56), 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.