PLTD vs. NVDU

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

PLTD (Direxion Daily PLTR Bear 1X Shares) and NVDU (Direxion Daily NVDA Bull 2X Shares ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - PLTD is a Inverse Equities fund tracking the Palantir Technologies Inc. (-100%), while NVDU is a Leveraged Equities fund actively managed by Direxion. PLTD is passively managed, while NVDU is actively managed. Over the past year, PLTD returned 5.29% vs 43.69% for NVDU. At a correlation of -0.46, they often move in opposite directions. PLTD charges 0.98%/yr vs 1.04%/yr for NVDU.

Performance

PLTD vs. NVDU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Direxion Daily PLTR Bear 1X Shares (PLTD) and Direxion Daily NVDA Bull 2X Shares ETF (NVDU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PLTD achieves a 40.92% return, which is significantly higher than NVDU's 1.48% return.

PLTD

• 1D: 3.03%
• 1M: 17.18%
• YTD: 40.92%
• 6M: 54.26%
• 1Y: 5.29%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

NVDU

• 1D: -1.11%
• 1M: -16.54%
• YTD: 1.48%
• 6M: -1.03%
• 1Y: 43.69%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

PLTD vs. NVDU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
PLTD Direxion Daily PLTR Bear 1X Shares	40.92%	-70.53%	-5.12%
NVDU Direxion Daily NVDA Bull 2X Shares ETF	1.48%	33.65%	-2.79%

Correlation

The correlation between PLTD and NVDU is -0.38, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.38
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 11, 2024	-0.46

Return for Risk

PLTD vs. NVDU — Risk / Return Rank

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

PLTD

PLTD Risk / Return Rank: 11
PLTD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 10
PLTD Sortino Ratio Rank: 12
PLTD Omega Ratio Rank: 12
PLTD Calmar Ratio Rank: 11
PLTD Martin Ratio Rank: 10

NVDU

NVDU Risk / Return Rank: 22
NVDU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 20
NVDU Sortino Ratio Rank: 25
NVDU Omega Ratio Rank: 23
NVDU Calmar Ratio Rank: 24
NVDU Martin Ratio Rank: 20

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.

PLTD vs. NVDU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Direxion Daily PLTR Bear 1X Shares (PLTD) and Direxion Daily NVDA Bull 2X Shares ETF (NVDU). 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.

	PLTD	NVDU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.10	0.62	-0.52
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.54	1.28	-0.74
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.06	1.15	-0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.14	1.04	-0.90
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.22	2.26	-2.04

PLTD vs. NVDU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PLTD Sharpe Ratio is 0.10, which is lower than the NVDU Sharpe Ratio of 0.62. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PLTD and NVDU, 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

PLTD vs. NVDU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PLTD drawdown since its inception was -77.34%, which is greater than NVDU's maximum drawdown of -67.27%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PLTD and NVDU.

Drawdown Indicators

	PLTD	NVDU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-77.34%	-67.27%	-10.07%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-39.15%	-42.27%	+3.12%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-63.91%	-30.88%	-33.03%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-59.60%	-18.93%	-40.67%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	23.83%	19.40%	+4.43%

Volatility

PLTD vs. NVDU - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Direxion Daily PLTR Bear 1X Shares (PLTD) is 19.73%, while Direxion Daily NVDA Bull 2X Shares ETF (NVDU) has a volatility of 25.98%. This indicates that PLTD experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than NVDU based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PLTD	NVDU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	19.73%	25.98%	-6.25%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	38.05%	52.66%	-14.61%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	51.69%	70.44%	-18.75%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	63.24%	90.95%	-27.71%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	63.24%	90.95%	-27.71%

PLTD vs. NVDU - Expense Ratio Comparison

PLTD has a 0.98% expense ratio, which is lower than NVDU's 1.04% expense ratio.

Dividends

PLTD vs. NVDU - Dividend Comparison

PLTD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.49%, less than NVDU's 5.82% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
NVDU Direxion Daily NVDA Bull 2X Shares ETF	5.82%	5.68%	16.85%	0.63%
PLTD Direxion Daily PLTR Bear 1X Shares	2.49%	5.17%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PLTD and NVDU in my portfolio?

PLTD and NVDU have a correlation of -0.38, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PLTD or NVDU?

NVDU has higher volatility (25.98%) compared to PLTD (19.73%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PLTD dropped -77.34% vs NVDU's -67.27%.

Which ETF is better, PLTD or NVDU?

On 1-year performance, NVDU leads with 43.69% vs 5.29% for PLTD. On fees, PLTD is cheaper at 0.98% per year. On volatility, PLTD has been the lower-risk option at 19.73%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PLTD or NVDU?

Over the 1-year period, NVDU has performed better with a 43.69% return vs 5.29%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PLTD or NVDU?

PLTD is cheaper with a 0.98% expense ratio, compared with 1.04% for NVDU.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, PLTD or NVDU?

NVDU has the higher dividend yield at 5.82%, compared with 2.49% for PLTD.

What is the main difference between PLTD and NVDU?

PLTD is categorized as Inverse Equities, while NVDU is Leveraged Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.98% for PLTD and 1.04% for NVDU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

NVDU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.62 vs 0.10), 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.