NUG vs. AAPU

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

NUG (Leverage Shares 2X Long NU Daily ETF) and AAPU (Direxion Daily AAPL Bull 2X Shares) are both Leveraged Equities funds. NUG is actively managed, while AAPU is passively managed. At a 0.21 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. NUG charges 0.75%/yr vs 1.04%/yr for AAPU.

Performance

NUG vs. AAPU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Leverage Shares 2X Long NU Daily ETF (NUG) and Direxion Daily AAPL Bull 2X Shares (AAPU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, NUG achieves a -49.34% return, which is significantly lower than AAPU's 11.74% return.

NUG

• 1D: 1.13%
• 1M: -1.26%
• YTD: -49.34%
• 6M: -48.76%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

AAPU

• 1D: -0.72%
• 1M: -8.56%
• YTD: 11.74%
• 6M: 12.20%
• 1Y: 91.23%
• 3Y*: 20.19%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

NUG vs. AAPU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
NUG Leverage Shares 2X Long NU Daily ETF	-49.34%	9.30%
AAPU Direxion Daily AAPL Bull 2X Shares	11.74%	-1.85%

Correlation

The correlation between NUG and AAPU is 0.21, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 17, 2025	0.21

Return for Risk

NUG vs. AAPU — Risk / Return Rank

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

NUG

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

AAPU

AAPU Risk / Return Rank: 58
AAPU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
AAPU Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
AAPU Omega Ratio Rank: 57
AAPU Calmar Ratio Rank: 66
AAPU Martin Ratio Rank: 46

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.

NUG vs. AAPU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Leverage Shares 2X Long NU Daily ETF (NUG) and Direxion Daily AAPL Bull 2X Shares (AAPU). 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.

	NUG	AAPU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	2.03	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	2.68	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.34	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	3.17	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	7.51	—

Drawdowns

NUG vs. AAPU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NUG drawdown since its inception was -66.15%, which is greater than AAPU's maximum drawdown of -58.61%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NUG and AAPU.

Drawdown Indicators

	NUG	AAPU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-66.15%	-58.61%	-7.54%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-28.90%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-58.61%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-59.01%	-12.03%	-46.98%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-31.80%	-17.59%	-14.21%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	12.19%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	NUG	AAPU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	14.05%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	33.20%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	79.90%	45.20%	+34.70%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	79.90%	48.92%	+30.98%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	79.90%	48.92%	+30.98%

NUG vs. AAPU - Expense Ratio Comparison

NUG has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is lower than AAPU's 1.04% expense ratio.

Dividends

NUG vs. AAPU - Dividend Comparison

NUG has not paid dividends to shareholders, while AAPU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 7.61%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
AAPU Direxion Daily AAPL Bull 2X Shares	7.61%	8.66%	14.58%	2.32%	0.79%
NUG Leverage Shares 2X Long NU Daily ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NUG and AAPU in my portfolio?

NUG and AAPU have a correlation of 0.21, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, NUG or AAPU?

On fees, NUG is cheaper at 0.75% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, NUG or AAPU?

NUG is cheaper with a 0.75% expense ratio, compared with 1.04% for AAPU.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, NUG or AAPU?

AAPU has the higher dividend yield at 7.61%, compared with 0.00% for NUG.

What is the main difference between NUG and AAPU?

They also come from different issuers: Leverage Shares and Direxion. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for NUG and 1.04% for AAPU.