NUKZ vs. GDXU

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

NUKZ (Range Nuclear Renaissance ETF) and GDXU (MicroSectors Gold Miners 3X Leveraged ETNs due June 29, 2040) are both exchange-traded funds - NUKZ is a Energy Equities fund tracking the Range Nuclear Renaissance Index, while GDXU is a Leveraged Equities fund tracking the S-Network MicroSectors Gold Miners Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, NUKZ returned 27.91% vs 30.95% for GDXU. At a 0.43 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. NUKZ charges 0.85%/yr vs 0.95%/yr for GDXU.

Performance

NUKZ vs. GDXU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Range Nuclear Renaissance ETF (NUKZ) and MicroSectors Gold Miners 3X Leveraged ETNs due June 29, 2040 (GDXU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, NUKZ achieves a 7.57% return, which is significantly higher than GDXU's -56.00% return.

NUKZ

• 1D: 1.59%
• 1M: -5.07%
• YTD: 7.57%
• 6M: 4.81%
• 1Y: 27.91%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

GDXU

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

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

NUKZ vs. GDXU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
NUKZ Range Nuclear Renaissance ETF	7.57%	56.57%	60.11%
GDXU MicroSectors Gold Miners 3X Leveraged ETNs due June 29, 2040	-56.00%	796.47%	11.81%

Correlation

The correlation between NUKZ and GDXU is 0.49, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.49
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 24, 2024	0.43

NUKZ vs. GDXU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	NUKZ	GDXU
Industrials	45.9%	-
Utilities	35.8%	-
Energy	12.9%	-
Basic Materials	4.0%	100.0%
Technology	1.4%	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-

Return for Risk

NUKZ vs. GDXU — Risk / Return Rank

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

NUKZ

NUKZ Risk / Return Rank: 31
NUKZ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 29
NUKZ Sortino Ratio Rank: 30
NUKZ Omega Ratio Rank: 27
NUKZ Calmar Ratio Rank: 39
NUKZ Martin Ratio Rank: 32

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

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.

NUKZ vs. GDXU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Range Nuclear Renaissance ETF (NUKZ) and MicroSectors Gold Miners 3X Leveraged ETNs due June 29, 2040 (GDXU). 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.

	NUKZ	GDXU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.92	0.22	+0.70
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.43	1.27	+0.16
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.17	1.18	-0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.70	0.37	+1.33
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.11	0.80	+3.31

NUKZ vs. GDXU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current NUKZ Sharpe Ratio is 0.92, which is higher than the GDXU Sharpe Ratio of 0.22. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of NUKZ and GDXU, 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

NUKZ vs. GDXU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NUKZ drawdown since its inception was -33.03%, smaller than the maximum GDXU drawdown of -94.39%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NUKZ and GDXU.

Drawdown Indicators

	NUKZ	GDXU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-33.03%	-94.39%	+61.36%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.51%	-83.97%	+67.46%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-83.97%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-92.44%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-10.39%	-79.58%	+69.19%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.06%	-69.77%	+63.71%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.80%	38.59%	-31.79%

Volatility

NUKZ vs. GDXU - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Range Nuclear Renaissance ETF (NUKZ) is 11.24%, while MicroSectors Gold Miners 3X Leveraged ETNs due June 29, 2040 (GDXU) has a volatility of 54.28%. This indicates that NUKZ experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than GDXU based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	NUKZ	GDXU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	11.24%	54.28%	-43.04%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	23.34%	123.72%	-100.38%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	30.46%	142.00%	-111.54%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	32.94%	111.92%	-78.98%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	32.94%	110.82%	-77.88%

NUKZ vs. GDXU - Expense Ratio Comparison

NUKZ has a 0.85% expense ratio, which is lower than GDXU's 0.95% expense ratio.

Dividends

NUKZ vs. GDXU - Dividend Comparison

NUKZ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.85%, while GDXU has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
GDXU MicroSectors Gold Miners 3X Leveraged ETNs due June 29, 2040	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
NUKZ Range Nuclear Renaissance ETF	0.85%	0.91%	0.09%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NUKZ and GDXU in my portfolio?

NUKZ and GDXU have a correlation of 0.49, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, NUKZ or GDXU?

GDXU has higher volatility (54.28%) compared to NUKZ (11.24%). In terms of maximum drawdown, NUKZ dropped -33.03% vs GDXU's -94.39%.

Which ETF is better, NUKZ or GDXU?

On 1-year performance, GDXU leads with 30.95% vs 27.91% for NUKZ. On fees, NUKZ is cheaper at 0.85% per year. On volatility, NUKZ has been the lower-risk option at 11.24%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, NUKZ or GDXU?

Over the 1-year period, GDXU has performed better with a 30.95% return vs 27.91%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, NUKZ or GDXU?

NUKZ is cheaper with a 0.85% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for GDXU.

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

NUKZ has the higher dividend yield at 0.85%, compared with 0.00% for GDXU.

What is the main difference between NUKZ and GDXU?

NUKZ is categorized as Energy Equities, while GDXU is Leveraged Equities. NUKZ tracks Range Nuclear Renaissance Index, while GDXU tracks S-Network MicroSectors Gold Miners Index. They also come from different issuers: Exchange Traded Concepts and BMO. Their fees differ too: 0.85% for NUKZ and 0.95% for GDXU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

NUKZ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.92 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.