QQQU vs. NUGT

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

QQQU (Direxion Daily Magnificent 7 Bull 2X Shares) and NUGT (Direxion Daily Gold Miners Index Bull 2X ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - QQQU is a Leveraged Equities fund tracking the Indxx Magnificent 7 Index (200%), while NUGT is a Gold fund tracking the MarketVector Global Gold Miners Index (200%). Both are passively managed. Over the past year, QQQU returned 20.01% vs 59.76% for NUGT. At a 0.17 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. QQQU charges 0.98%/yr vs 1.13%/yr for NUGT.

Performance

QQQU vs. NUGT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Direxion Daily Magnificent 7 Bull 2X Shares (QQQU) and Direxion Daily Gold Miners Index Bull 2X ETF (NUGT). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, QQQU achieves a -17.64% return, which is significantly higher than NUGT's -35.52% return.

QQQU

• 1D: -4.93%
• 1M: -23.60%
• YTD: -17.64%
• 6M: -20.69%
• 1Y: 20.01%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

NUGT

• 1D: 3.02%
• 1M: -29.37%
• YTD: -35.52%
• 6M: -41.56%
• 1Y: 59.76%
• 3Y*: 52.08%
• 5Y*: 15.88%
• 10Y*: -12.40%

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

QQQU vs. NUGT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
QQQU Direxion Daily Magnificent 7 Bull 2X Shares	-17.64%	32.87%	87.67%
NUGT Direxion Daily Gold Miners Index Bull 2X ETF	-35.52%	425.05%	20.58%

Correlation

The correlation between QQQU and NUGT is 0.28, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.28
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 7, 2024	0.17

The correlation between QQQU and NUGT shifts across timeframes, from 0.17 (all time) to 0.28 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

QQQU vs. NUGT - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	QQQU	NUGT
Technology	43.3%	-
Consumer Cyclical	29.1%	-
Communication Services	27.6%	-
Basic Materials	-	100.0%
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

QQQU vs. NUGT — Risk / Return Rank

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

QQQU

QQQU Risk / Return Rank: 17
QQQU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 17
QQQU Sortino Ratio Rank: 18
QQQU Omega Ratio Rank: 18
QQQU Calmar Ratio Rank: 16
QQQU Martin Ratio Rank: 17

NUGT

NUGT Risk / Return Rank: 24
NUGT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 20
NUGT Sortino Ratio Rank: 26
NUGT Omega Ratio Rank: 29
NUGT Calmar Ratio Rank: 22
NUGT Martin Ratio Rank: 21

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.

QQQU vs. NUGT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Direxion Daily Magnificent 7 Bull 2X Shares (QQQU) and Direxion Daily Gold Miners Index Bull 2X ETF (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.

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.

	QQQU	NUGT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.48	0.64	-0.15
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.91	1.34	-0.42
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.11	1.18	-0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.55	0.95	-0.39
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.63	2.21	-0.58

QQQU vs. NUGT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current QQQU Sharpe Ratio is 0.48, which is comparable to the NUGT Sharpe Ratio of 0.64. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of QQQU 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.

Drawdowns

QQQU vs. NUGT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QQQU drawdown since its inception was -53.70%, smaller than the maximum NUGT drawdown of -99.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QQQU and NUGT.

Drawdown Indicators

	QQQU	NUGT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-53.70%	-99.97%	+46.27%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-36.29%	-63.43%	+27.14%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-63.43%	—
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	-26.44%	-99.85%	+73.41%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-13.39%	-91.53%	+78.14%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	12.32%	27.10%	-14.78%

Volatility

QQQU vs. NUGT - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Direxion Daily Magnificent 7 Bull 2X Shares (QQQU) is 14.99%, while Direxion Daily Gold Miners Index Bull 2X ETF (NUGT) has a volatility of 34.79%. This indicates that QQQU 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

	QQQU	NUGT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	14.99%	34.79%	-19.80%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	31.22%	80.31%	-49.09%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	41.47%	94.54%	-53.07%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	53.24%	73.03%	-19.79%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	53.24%	87.98%	-34.74%

QQQU vs. NUGT - Expense Ratio Comparison

QQQU has a 0.98% expense ratio, which is lower than NUGT's 1.13% expense ratio.

Dividends

QQQU vs. NUGT - Dividend Comparison

QQQU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 11.59%, more than NUGT's 0.61% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
NUGT Direxion Daily Gold Miners Index Bull 2X ETF	0.61%	0.22%	1.79%	1.67%	0.70%	0.00%	0.00%	0.63%	0.57%
QQQU Direxion Daily Magnificent 7 Bull 2X Shares	11.59%	9.62%	2.75%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both QQQU and NUGT in my portfolio?

QQQU and NUGT have a correlation of 0.28, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, QQQU or NUGT?

NUGT has higher volatility (34.79%) compared to QQQU (14.99%). In terms of maximum drawdown, QQQU dropped -53.70% vs NUGT's -99.97%.

Which ETF is better, QQQU or NUGT?

On 1-year performance, NUGT leads with 59.76% vs 20.01% for QQQU. On fees, QQQU is cheaper at 0.98% per year. On volatility, QQQU has been the lower-risk option at 14.99%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, QQQU or NUGT?

Over the 1-year period, NUGT has performed better with a 59.76% return vs 20.01%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, QQQU or NUGT?

QQQU is cheaper with a 0.98% expense ratio, compared with 1.13% for NUGT.

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

QQQU has the higher dividend yield at 11.59%, compared with 0.61% for NUGT.

What is the main difference between QQQU and NUGT?

QQQU is categorized as Leveraged Equities, while NUGT is Gold. QQQU tracks Indxx Magnificent 7 Index (200%), while NUGT tracks MarketVector Global Gold Miners Index (200%). Their fees differ too: 0.98% for QQQU and 1.13% for NUGT.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

NUGT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.64 vs 0.48), 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.