GDXU vs. SPXL

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

GDXU (MicroSectors Gold Miners 3X Leveraged ETNs due June 29, 2040) and SPXL (Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bull 3X ETF) are both Leveraged Equities funds - GDXU tracks the S-Network MicroSectors Gold Miners Index while SPXL tracks the S&P 500. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, GDXU returned -14.73%/yr vs 21.80%/yr for SPXL. At a 0.30 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. GDXU charges 0.95%/yr vs 0.84%/yr for SPXL.

Performance

GDXU vs. SPXL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in MicroSectors Gold Miners 3X Leveraged ETNs due June 29, 2040 (GDXU) and Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bull 3X ETF (SPXL). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, GDXU achieves a -56.00% return, which is significantly lower than SPXL's 20.98% return.

GDXU

• 1D: 8.84%
• 1M: -50.11%
• YTD: -56.00%
• 6M: -55.92%
• 1Y: 30.95%
• 3Y*: 37.87%
• 5Y*: -14.73%
• 10Y*: —

SPXL

• 1D: 1.54%
• 1M: -1.59%
• YTD: 20.98%
• 6M: 21.36%
• 1Y: 65.66%
• 3Y*: 47.11%
• 5Y*: 21.80%
• 10Y*: 29.90%

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

GDXU vs. SPXL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
GDXU MicroSectors Gold Miners 3X Leveraged ETNs due June 29, 2040	-56.00%	796.47%	-18.60%	-21.36%	-62.82%	-54.93%	4.32%
SPXL Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bull 3X ETF	20.98%	31.94%	63.61%	69.49%	-56.55%	98.75%	7.06%

Correlation

The correlation between GDXU and SPXL is 0.39, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.39
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.30
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.29
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 3, 2020	0.30

GDXU vs. SPXL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	GDXU	SPXL
Basic Materials	100.0%	0.4%
Communication Services	-	2.3%
Consumer Cyclical	-	2.2%
Consumer Defensive	-	1.0%
Energy	-	0.7%
Financial Services	-	2.4%
Healthcare	-	1.8%
Industrials	-	1.7%
Real Estate	-	0.4%
Technology	-	8.4%
Utilities	-	0.6%

Return for Risk

GDXU vs. SPXL — Risk / Return Rank

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

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: 14
GDXU Martin Ratio Rank: 14

SPXL

SPXL Risk / Return Rank: 58
SPXL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 62
SPXL Sortino Ratio Rank: 53
SPXL Omega Ratio Rank: 55
SPXL Calmar Ratio Rank: 57
SPXL Martin Ratio Rank: 64

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. SPXL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for MicroSectors Gold Miners 3X Leveraged ETNs due June 29, 2040 (GDXU) and Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bull 3X ETF (SPXL). 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.

	GDXU	SPXL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.22	1.79	-1.57
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.27	2.25	-0.98
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.18	1.30	-0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.37	2.47	-2.10
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.80	10.16	-9.35

GDXU vs. SPXL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GDXU Sharpe Ratio is 0.22, which is lower than the SPXL Sharpe Ratio of 1.79. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GDXU and SPXL, 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

GDXU vs. SPXL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GDXU drawdown since its inception was -94.39%, which is greater than SPXL's maximum drawdown of -76.86%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GDXU and SPXL.

Drawdown Indicators

	GDXU	SPXL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-94.39%	-76.86%	-17.53%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-83.97%	-26.77%	-57.20%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-83.97%	-48.95%	-35.02%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-92.44%	-63.80%	-28.64%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-76.86%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-79.58%	-7.55%	-72.03%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-69.77%	-16.11%	-53.66%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	38.59%	6.49%	+32.10%

Volatility

GDXU vs. SPXL - Volatility Comparison

MicroSectors Gold Miners 3X Leveraged ETNs due June 29, 2040 (GDXU) has a higher volatility of 54.28% compared to Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bull 3X ETF (SPXL) at 13.20%. This indicates that GDXU's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SPXL based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GDXU	SPXL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	54.28%	13.20%	+41.08%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	123.72%	28.79%	+94.93%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	142.00%	36.81%	+105.19%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	111.92%	50.44%	+61.48%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	110.82%	53.50%	+57.32%

GDXU vs. SPXL - Expense Ratio Comparison

GDXU has a 0.95% expense ratio, which is higher than SPXL's 0.84% expense ratio.

Dividends

GDXU vs. SPXL - Dividend Comparison

GDXU has not paid dividends to shareholders, while SPXL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.56%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
GDXU MicroSectors Gold Miners 3X Leveraged ETNs due June 29, 2040	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SPXL Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bull 3X ETF	0.56%	0.69%	0.74%	0.98%	0.32%	0.11%	0.22%	0.84%	1.02%	3.88%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GDXU and SPXL in my portfolio?

GDXU and SPXL have a correlation of 0.39, 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 SPXL?

GDXU has higher volatility (54.28%) compared to SPXL (13.20%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GDXU dropped -94.39% vs SPXL's -76.86%.

Which ETF is better, GDXU or SPXL?

On 5-year performance, SPXL leads with 21.80% vs -14.73% for GDXU. On fees, SPXL is cheaper at 0.84% per year. On volatility, SPXL has been the lower-risk option at 13.20%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, GDXU or SPXL?

Over the 5-year period, SPXL has performed better with a 21.80% return vs -14.73%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, GDXU or SPXL?

SPXL is cheaper with a 0.84% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for GDXU.

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

SPXL has the higher dividend yield at 0.56%, compared with 0.00% for GDXU.

What is the main difference between GDXU and SPXL?

GDXU tracks S-Network MicroSectors Gold Miners Index, while SPXL tracks S&P 500. They also come from different issuers: BMO and Direxion. Their fees differ too: 0.95% for GDXU and 0.84% for SPXL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SPXL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.79 vs 0.22), 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.