JNUG vs. AUAU

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

JNUG (Direxion Daily Junior Gold Miners Index Bull 2X ETF) and AUAU (Global X Gold Miners ETF) are both Gold funds - JNUG tracks the MVIS Global Junior Gold Miners Index (200%) while AUAU tracks the NYSE Arca Gold Miners Index. Both are passively managed. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. JNUG charges 1.03%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for AUAU.

Performance

JNUG vs. AUAU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Direxion Daily Junior Gold Miners Index Bull 2X ETF (JNUG) and Global X Gold Miners ETF (AUAU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, JNUG achieves a -37.86% return, which is significantly lower than AUAU's -8.33% return.

JNUG

• 1D: -10.74%
• 1M: -22.85%
• YTD: -37.86%
• 6M: -44.47%
• 1Y: 60.12%
• 3Y*: 61.56%
• 5Y*: 9.70%
• 10Y*: -28.10%

AUAU

• 1D: -4.58%
• 1M: -8.49%
• YTD: -8.33%
• 6M: -12.44%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

JNUG vs. AUAU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
JNUG Direxion Daily Junior Gold Miners Index Bull 2X ETF	-37.86%	12.72%
AUAU Global X Gold Miners ETF	-8.33%	4.18%

Correlation

The correlation between JNUG and AUAU is 0.97 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 10, 2025	0.97

Return for Risk

JNUG vs. AUAU — Risk / Return Rank

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

JNUG

JNUG Risk / Return Rank: 22
JNUG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 18
JNUG Sortino Ratio Rank: 26
JNUG Omega Ratio Rank: 28
JNUG Calmar Ratio Rank: 21
JNUG Martin Ratio Rank: 19

AUAU

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

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.

JNUG vs. AUAU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Direxion Daily Junior Gold Miners Index Bull 2X ETF (JNUG) and Global X Gold Miners ETF (AUAU). 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.

	JNUG	AUAU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.58	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.36	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.18	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.89	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.10	—	—

Drawdowns

JNUG vs. AUAU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum JNUG drawdown since its inception was -99.95%, which is greater than AUAU's maximum drawdown of -35.86%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for JNUG and AUAU.

Drawdown Indicators

	JNUG	AUAU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-99.95%	-35.86%	-64.09%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-67.53%	—	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-67.53%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-76.67%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-99.66%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-99.66%	-32.29%	-67.37%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-93.88%	-14.21%	-79.67%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	28.74%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	JNUG	AUAU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	40.54%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	90.30%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	104.33%	52.22%	+52.11%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	81.63%	52.22%	+29.41%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	106.71%	52.22%	+54.49%

JNUG vs. AUAU - Expense Ratio Comparison

JNUG has a 1.03% expense ratio, which is higher than AUAU's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

JNUG vs. AUAU - Dividend Comparison

JNUG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.98%, while AUAU has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
AUAU Global X Gold Miners ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
JNUG Direxion Daily Junior Gold Miners Index Bull 2X ETF	1.98%	1.04%	2.01%	1.62%	0.00%	0.52%	0.10%	0.46%	0.06%	0.51%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both JNUG and AUAU in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.97, JNUG and AUAU move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which ETF is better, JNUG or AUAU?

On fees, AUAU is cheaper at 0.35% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, JNUG or AUAU?

AUAU is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 1.03% for JNUG.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, JNUG or AUAU?

JNUG has the higher dividend yield at 1.98%, compared with 0.00% for AUAU.

What is the main difference between JNUG and AUAU?

JNUG tracks MVIS Global Junior Gold Miners Index (200%), while AUAU tracks NYSE Arca Gold Miners Index. They also come from different issuers: Direxion and Global X. Their fees differ too: 1.03% for JNUG and 0.35% for AUAU.