MSFU vs. NUGT

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

MSFU (Direxion Daily MSFT Bull 2X Shares) and NUGT (Direxion Daily Gold Miners Bull 2X Shares) are both Leveraged Equities funds from Direxion - MSFU tracks the Microsoft Corporation (150%) while NUGT tracks the NYSE Arca Gold Miners Index (300%). Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, MSFU returned 1.80%/yr vs 64.69%/yr for NUGT. At a 0.16 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. MSFU charges 1.04%/yr vs 1.23%/yr for NUGT.

Performance

MSFU vs. NUGT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Direxion Daily MSFT Bull 2X Shares (MSFU) 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, MSFU achieves a -22.90% return, which is significantly lower than NUGT's -10.08% return.

MSFU

• 1D: -8.36%
• 1M: 12.13%
• YTD: -22.90%
• 6M: -25.88%
• 1Y: -21.45%
• 3Y*: 1.80%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

NUGT

• 1D: 2.75%
• 1M: -0.61%
• YTD: -10.08%
• 6M: -0.84%
• 1Y: 106.27%
• 3Y*: 64.69%
• 5Y*: 18.60%
• 10Y*: -7.91%

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

MSFU vs. NUGT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
MSFU Direxion Daily MSFT Bull 2X Shares	-22.90%	13.36%	5.80%	83.04%	-13.28%
NUGT Direxion Daily Gold Miners Bull 2X Shares	-10.08%	425.05%	2.89%	2.60%	32.39%

Correlation

The correlation between MSFU and NUGT is 0.11, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.11
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.11
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 8, 2022	0.16

MSFU vs. NUGT - Sectors Allocation Comparison

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

Return for Risk

MSFU vs. NUGT — Risk / Return Rank

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

MSFU

MSFU Risk / Return Rank: 5
MSFU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 5
MSFU Sortino Ratio Rank: 5
MSFU Omega Ratio Rank: 5
MSFU Calmar Ratio Rank: 5
MSFU Martin Ratio Rank: 5

NUGT

NUGT Risk / Return Rank: 37
NUGT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 33
NUGT Sortino Ratio Rank: 32
NUGT Omega Ratio Rank: 37
NUGT Calmar Ratio Rank: 49
NUGT Martin Ratio Rank: 36

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.

MSFU vs. NUGT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Direxion Daily MSFT Bull 2X Shares (MSFU) 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.

	MSFU	NUGT	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	-0.43	1.19	-1.62
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	-0.30	1.74	-2.05
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.96	1.24	-0.29
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.35	2.45	-2.80
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	-0.67	5.67	-6.34
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

MSFU vs. NUGT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MSFU Sharpe Ratio is -0.43, which is lower than the NUGT Sharpe Ratio of 1.19. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MSFU 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

	MSFU	NUGT	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.43	1.19	-1.62
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.26	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	-0.09	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.24	-0.33	+0.56

Drawdowns

MSFU vs. NUGT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MSFU drawdown since its inception was -59.83%, smaller than the maximum NUGT drawdown of -99.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MSFU and NUGT.

Drawdown Indicators

	MSFU	NUGT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-59.83%	-99.97%	+40.14%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-59.83%	-53.58%	-6.25%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-59.83%	-53.58%	-6.25%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-73.72%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-96.91%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-40.32%	-99.79%	+59.47%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-16.48%	-91.52%	+75.04%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	30.83%	23.18%	+7.65%

Volatility

MSFU vs. NUGT - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Direxion Daily MSFT Bull 2X Shares (MSFU) is 18.49%, while Direxion Daily Gold Miners Bull 2X Shares (NUGT) has a volatility of 29.69%. This indicates that MSFU 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

	MSFU	NUGT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	18.49%	29.69%	-11.20%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	44.94%	74.87%	-29.93%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	49.77%	90.50%	-40.73%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	46.23%	71.97%	-25.74%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	46.23%	87.90%	-41.67%

MSFU vs. NUGT - Expense Ratio Comparison

MSFU has a 1.04% expense ratio, which is lower than NUGT's 1.23% expense ratio.

Dividends

MSFU vs. NUGT - Dividend Comparison

MSFU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 10.26%, more than NUGT's 0.34% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
MSFU Direxion Daily MSFT Bull 2X Shares	10.26%	8.15%	7.00%	2.11%	0.54%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
NUGT Direxion Daily Gold Miners Bull 2X Shares	0.34%	0.22%	1.79%	1.67%	0.70%	0.00%	0.00%	0.63%	0.57%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MSFU and NUGT in my portfolio?

MSFU and NUGT have a correlation of 0.11, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MSFU or NUGT?

NUGT has higher volatility (29.69%) compared to MSFU (18.49%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MSFU dropped -59.83% vs NUGT's -99.97%.

Which ETF is better, MSFU or NUGT?

On 3-year performance, NUGT leads with 64.69% vs 1.80% for MSFU. On fees, MSFU is cheaper at 1.04% per year. On volatility, MSFU has been the lower-risk option at 18.49%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MSFU or NUGT?

Over the 3-year period, NUGT has performed better with a 64.69% return vs 1.80%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MSFU or NUGT?

MSFU is cheaper with a 1.04% expense ratio, compared with 1.23% for NUGT.

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

MSFU has the higher dividend yield at 10.26%, compared with 0.34% for NUGT.

What is the main difference between MSFU and NUGT?

MSFU tracks Microsoft Corporation (150%), while NUGT tracks NYSE Arca Gold Miners Index (300%). Their fees differ too: 1.04% for MSFU and 1.23% for NUGT.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

NUGT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.19 vs -0.43), 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.