SOXL vs. GDXU

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

SOXL (Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bull 3X ETF) and GDXU (MicroSectors Gold Miners 3X Leveraged ETNs due June 29, 2040) are both Leveraged Equities funds - SOXL tracks the ICE Semiconductor Index while GDXU tracks the S-Network MicroSectors Gold Miners Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, SOXL returned 43.69%/yr vs -14.73%/yr for GDXU. At a 0.26 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. SOXL charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.95%/yr for GDXU.

Performance

SOXL vs. GDXU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bull 3X ETF (SOXL) 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, SOXL achieves a 458.36% return, which is significantly higher than GDXU's -56.00% return.

SOXL

• 1D: 4.77%
• 1M: 27.38%
• YTD: 458.36%
• 6M: 462.65%
• 1Y: 985.71%
• 3Y*: 110.81%
• 5Y*: 43.69%
• 10Y*: 63.20%

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)

SOXL vs. GDXU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
SOXL Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bull 3X ETF	458.36%	54.91%	-12.31%	226.98%	-85.66%	118.84%	8.30%
GDXU MicroSectors Gold Miners 3X Leveraged ETNs due June 29, 2040	-56.00%	796.47%	-18.60%	-21.36%	-62.82%	-54.93%	4.32%

Correlation

The correlation between SOXL and GDXU is 0.33, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.33
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.26
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.25
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 3, 2020	0.26

SOXL vs. GDXU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SOXL	GDXU
Technology	100.0%	-
Basic Materials	-	100.0%
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

SOXL vs. GDXU — Risk / Return Rank

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

SOXL

SOXL Risk / Return Rank: 97
SOXL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 99
SOXL Sortino Ratio Rank: 94
SOXL Omega Ratio Rank: 94
SOXL Calmar Ratio Rank: 99
SOXL Martin Ratio Rank: 98

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.

SOXL vs. GDXU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bull 3X ETF (SOXL) 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.

	SOXL	GDXU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	8.99	0.22	+8.77
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.23	1.27	+2.96
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.60	1.18	+0.42
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	22.91	0.37	+22.54
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	74.51	0.80	+73.70

SOXL vs. GDXU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SOXL Sharpe Ratio is 8.99, which is higher than the GDXU Sharpe Ratio of 0.22. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SOXL 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

SOXL vs. GDXU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SOXL drawdown since its inception was -90.46%, roughly equal to the maximum GDXU drawdown of -94.39%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SOXL and GDXU.

Drawdown Indicators

	SOXL	GDXU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-90.46%	-94.39%	+3.93%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-43.47%	-83.97%	+40.50%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-87.88%	-83.97%	-3.91%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-90.46%	-92.44%	+1.98%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-90.46%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-16.35%	-79.58%	+63.23%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-34.99%	-69.77%	+34.78%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	13.35%	38.59%	-25.24%

Volatility

SOXL vs. GDXU - Volatility Comparison

Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bull 3X ETF (SOXL) has a higher volatility of 58.17% compared to MicroSectors Gold Miners 3X Leveraged ETNs due June 29, 2040 (GDXU) at 54.28%. This indicates that SOXL's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than GDXU based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SOXL	GDXU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	58.17%	54.28%	+3.89%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	93.93%	123.72%	-29.79%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	110.81%	142.00%	-31.19%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	108.96%	111.92%	-2.96%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	99.99%	110.82%	-10.83%

SOXL vs. GDXU - Expense Ratio Comparison

SOXL has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is lower than GDXU's 0.95% expense ratio.

Dividends

SOXL vs. GDXU - Dividend Comparison

SOXL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.03%, while GDXU has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
GDXU MicroSectors Gold Miners 3X Leveraged ETNs due June 29, 2040	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SOXL Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bull 3X ETF	0.03%	0.34%	1.18%	0.51%	1.07%	0.04%	0.05%	0.38%	1.30%	0.09%	4.84%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SOXL and GDXU in my portfolio?

SOXL and GDXU have a correlation of 0.33, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SOXL or GDXU?

SOXL has higher volatility (58.17%) compared to GDXU (54.28%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SOXL dropped -90.46% vs GDXU's -94.39%.

Which ETF is better, SOXL or GDXU?

On 5-year performance, SOXL leads with 43.69% vs -14.73% for GDXU. On fees, SOXL is cheaper at 0.75% per year. On volatility, GDXU has been the lower-risk option at 54.28%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SOXL or GDXU?

Over the 5-year period, SOXL has performed better with a 43.69% return vs -14.73%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SOXL or GDXU?

SOXL is cheaper with a 0.75% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for GDXU.

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

SOXL has the higher dividend yield at 0.03%, compared with 0.00% for GDXU.

What is the main difference between SOXL and GDXU?

SOXL tracks ICE Semiconductor Index, while GDXU tracks S-Network MicroSectors Gold Miners Index. They also come from different issuers: Direxion and BMO. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for SOXL and 0.95% for GDXU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SOXL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (8.99 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.