RKTL vs. NUG

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

RKTL (Defiance Daily Target 2X Long RKT ETF) and NUG (Leverage Shares 2X Long NU Daily ETF) are both Leveraged Equities funds. RKTL is passively managed, while NUG is actively managed. At a 0.47 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. RKTL charges 1.31%/yr vs 0.75%/yr for NUG.

Performance

RKTL vs. NUG - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

RKTL

• 1D: 4.20%
• 1M: -17.90%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

NUG

• 1D: 8.70%
• 1M: -29.88%
• YTD: -53.90%
• 6M: -59.22%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

RKTL vs. NUG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
RKTL Defiance Daily Target 2X Long RKT ETF	-74.30%
NUG Leverage Shares 2X Long NU Daily ETF	-52.82%

Correlation

The correlation between RKTL and NUG is 0.47, 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 Jan 14, 2026	0.47

Return for Risk

RKTL vs. NUG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Defiance Daily Target 2X Long RKT ETF (RKTL) and Leverage Shares 2X Long NU Daily ETF (NUG). 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.

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

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	RKTL	NUG	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	-0.77	-0.88	+0.11

Drawdowns

RKTL vs. NUG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RKTL drawdown since its inception was -77.06%, which is greater than NUG's maximum drawdown of -65.69%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RKTL and NUG.

Drawdown Indicators

	RKTL	NUG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-77.06%	-65.69%	-11.37%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-75.54%	-62.70%	-12.84%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-55.71%	-29.51%	-26.20%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	RKTL	NUG	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	126.92%	81.01%	+45.91%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	126.92%	81.01%	+45.91%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	126.92%	81.01%	+45.91%

RKTL vs. NUG - Expense Ratio Comparison

RKTL has a 1.31% expense ratio, which is higher than NUG's 0.75% expense ratio.

Dividends

RKTL vs. NUG - Dividend Comparison

Neither RKTL nor NUG has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both RKTL and NUG in my portfolio?

RKTL and NUG have a correlation of 0.47, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, RKTL or NUG?

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, RKTL or NUG?

NUG is cheaper with a 0.75% expense ratio, compared with 1.31% for RKTL.

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

RKTL and NUG have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between RKTL and NUG?

They also come from different issuers: Defiance and Leverage Shares. Their fees differ too: 1.31% for RKTL and 0.75% for NUG.