MIDU vs. NUGT

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

MIDU (Direxion Daily Mid Cap Bull 3X Shares) and NUGT (Direxion Daily Gold Miners Bull 2X Shares) are both Leveraged Equities funds from Direxion - MIDU tracks the S&P MidCap 400 Index (300%) while NUGT tracks the NYSE Arca Gold Miners Index (300%). Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, MIDU returned 11.79%/yr vs -8.36%/yr for NUGT. At a 0.19 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. MIDU charges 1.06%/yr vs 1.23%/yr for NUGT.

Performance

MIDU vs. NUGT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Direxion Daily Mid Cap Bull 3X Shares (MIDU) and Direxion Daily Gold Miners Bull 2X Shares (NUGT). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MIDU achieves a 39.05% return, which is significantly higher than NUGT's -13.45% return. Over the past 10 years, MIDU has outperformed NUGT with an annualized return of 11.79%, while NUGT has yielded a comparatively lower -8.36% annualized return.

MIDU

• 1D: 1.03%
• 1M: 7.52%
• YTD: 39.05%
• 6M: 36.50%
• 1Y: 68.28%
• 3Y*: 28.14%
• 5Y*: 2.80%
• 10Y*: 11.79%

NUGT

• 1D: 3.10%
• 1M: -1.32%
• YTD: -13.45%
• 6M: -4.04%
• 1Y: 102.38%
• 3Y*: 62.10%
• 5Y*: 17.04%
• 10Y*: -8.36%

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

MIDU vs. NUGT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MIDU Direxion Daily Mid Cap Bull 3X Shares	39.05%	-2.75%	20.32%	27.79%	-49.27%	72.89%	-18.31%	77.38%	-39.21%	46.86%
NUGT Direxion Daily Gold Miners Bull 2X Shares	-13.45%	425.05%	2.89%	2.60%	-32.10%	-26.31%	-60.16%	100.73%	-44.52%	3.73%

Correlation

The correlation between MIDU and NUGT is 0.34, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.34
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.31
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.31
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.18
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 9, 2010	0.19

The correlation between MIDU and NUGT shifts across timeframes, from 0.18 (10 years) to 0.34 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

MIDU vs. NUGT - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	MIDU	NUGT
Industrials	25.0%	-
Technology	15.7%	-
Financial Services	14.4%	-
Consumer Cyclical	10.7%	-
Healthcare	8.6%	-
Real Estate	7.5%	-
Energy	5.5%	-
Basic Materials	4.8%	100.0%
Consumer Defensive	3.8%	-
Utilities	3.1%	-
Communication Services	1.0%	-

Return for Risk

MIDU vs. NUGT — Risk / Return Rank

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

MIDU

MIDU Risk / Return Rank: 46
MIDU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 43
MIDU Sortino Ratio Rank: 42
MIDU Omega Ratio Rank: 40
MIDU Calmar Ratio Rank: 54
MIDU Martin Ratio Rank: 52

NUGT

NUGT Risk / Return Rank: 34
NUGT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 33
NUGT Sortino Ratio Rank: 33
NUGT Omega Ratio Rank: 37
NUGT Calmar Ratio Rank: 39
NUGT Martin Ratio Rank: 30

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.

MIDU vs. NUGT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Direxion Daily Mid Cap Bull 3X Shares (MIDU) and Direxion Daily Gold Miners Bull 2X Shares (NUGT). 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.

	MIDU	NUGT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.48	1.14	+0.34
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.09	1.71	+0.38
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.25	1.24	+0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.66	1.92	+0.74
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.83	4.36	+4.47
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

MIDU vs. NUGT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MIDU Sharpe Ratio is 1.48, which is comparable to the NUGT Sharpe Ratio of 1.14. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MIDU and NUGT, 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

	MIDU	NUGT	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.48	1.14	+0.34
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.05	0.24	-0.19
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.19	-0.10	+0.28
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.35	-0.33	+0.68

Drawdowns

MIDU vs. NUGT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MIDU drawdown since its inception was -86.26%, smaller than the maximum NUGT drawdown of -99.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MIDU and NUGT.

Drawdown Indicators

	MIDU	NUGT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-86.26%	-99.97%	+13.71%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-25.80%	-53.58%	+27.78%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-60.41%	-53.58%	-6.83%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-64.14%	-73.72%	+9.58%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-86.26%	-96.91%	+10.65%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.21%	-99.80%	+96.59%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-22.43%	-91.52%	+69.09%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	7.76%	23.59%	-15.83%

Volatility

MIDU vs. NUGT - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Direxion Daily Mid Cap Bull 3X Shares (MIDU) is 12.47%, while Direxion Daily Gold Miners Bull 2X Shares (NUGT) has a volatility of 30.49%. This indicates that MIDU experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than NUGT based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MIDU	NUGT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	12.47%	30.49%	-18.02%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	33.69%	75.18%	-41.49%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	46.28%	90.00%	-43.72%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	59.44%	71.96%	-12.52%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	63.58%	87.89%	-24.31%

MIDU vs. NUGT - Expense Ratio Comparison

MIDU has a 1.06% expense ratio, which is lower than NUGT's 1.23% expense ratio.

Dividends

MIDU vs. NUGT - Dividend Comparison

MIDU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.64%, more than NUGT's 0.35% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
MIDU Direxion Daily Mid Cap Bull 3X Shares	0.64%	1.04%	1.10%	1.43%	0.11%	0.00%	0.06%	0.71%	0.70%	2.67%	1.89%
NUGT Direxion Daily Gold Miners Bull 2X Shares	0.35%	0.22%	1.79%	1.67%	0.70%	0.00%	0.00%	0.63%	0.57%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MIDU and NUGT in my portfolio?

MIDU and NUGT have a correlation of 0.34, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MIDU or NUGT?

NUGT has higher volatility (30.49%) compared to MIDU (12.47%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MIDU dropped -86.26% vs NUGT's -99.97%.

Which ETF is better, MIDU or NUGT?

On 10-year performance, MIDU leads with 11.79% vs -8.36% for NUGT. On fees, MIDU is cheaper at 1.06% per year. On volatility, MIDU has been the lower-risk option at 12.47%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MIDU or NUGT?

Over the 10-year period, MIDU has performed better with a 11.79% return vs -8.36%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MIDU or NUGT?

MIDU is cheaper with a 1.06% expense ratio, compared with 1.23% for NUGT.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, MIDU or NUGT?

MIDU has the higher dividend yield at 0.64%, compared with 0.35% for NUGT.

What is the main difference between MIDU and NUGT?

MIDU tracks S&P MidCap 400 Index (300%), while NUGT tracks NYSE Arca Gold Miners Index (300%). Their fees differ too: 1.06% for MIDU and 1.23% for NUGT.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MIDU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.48 vs 1.14), 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.