TNA vs. GDX

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

TNA (Direxion Daily Small Cap Bull 3X Shares) and GDX (VanEck Gold Miners ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - TNA is a Leveraged Equities fund tracking the Russell 2000 Index (300%), while GDX is a Gold fund tracking the NYSE MarketVector Global Gold Miners Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, TNA returned 8.78%/yr vs 13.29%/yr for GDX. At a 0.23 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. TNA charges 1.14%/yr vs 0.51%/yr for GDX.

Performance

TNA vs. GDX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Direxion Daily Small Cap Bull 3X Shares (TNA) and VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, TNA achieves a 53.14% return, which is significantly higher than GDX's -6.69% return. Over the past 10 years, TNA has underperformed GDX with an annualized return of 8.78%, while GDX has yielded a comparatively higher 13.29% annualized return.

TNA

• 1D: 2.53%
• 1M: 8.84%
• YTD: 53.14%
• 6M: 40.13%
• 1Y: 117.40%
• 3Y*: 25.74%
• 5Y*: -6.50%
• 10Y*: 8.78%

GDX

• 1D: 2.97%
• 1M: -16.83%
• YTD: -6.69%
• 6M: -5.89%
• 1Y: 50.59%
• 3Y*: 38.96%
• 5Y*: 17.51%
• 10Y*: 13.29%

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

TNA vs. GDX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
TNA Direxion Daily Small Cap Bull 3X Shares	53.14%	9.82%	7.21%	26.24%	-62.48%	27.88%	-7.82%	71.88%	-39.89%	39.15%
GDX VanEck Gold Miners ETF	-6.69%	154.77%	10.63%	9.98%	-9.01%	-9.52%	23.66%	39.84%	-8.77%	11.99%

Correlation

The correlation between TNA and GDX is 0.40, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.40
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.34
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.32
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.19
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 19, 2008	0.23

The correlation between TNA and GDX shifts across timeframes, from 0.19 (10 years) to 0.40 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

TNA vs. GDX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	TNA	GDX
Industrials	17.5%	-
Technology	16.9%	-
Healthcare	16.5%	-
Financial Services	15.9%	-
Consumer Cyclical	8.4%	-
Real Estate	6.2%	-
Energy	6.2%	-
Basic Materials	4.8%	100.0%
Utilities	2.9%	-
Communication Services	2.5%	-
Consumer Defensive	2.4%	-

Return for Risk

TNA vs. GDX — Risk / Return Rank

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

TNA

TNA Risk / Return Rank: 68
TNA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 72
TNA Sortino Ratio Rank: 61
TNA Omega Ratio Rank: 54
TNA Calmar Ratio Rank: 80
TNA Martin Ratio Rank: 73

GDX

GDX Risk / Return Rank: 33
GDX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 34
GDX Sortino Ratio Rank: 31
GDX Omega Ratio Rank: 36
GDX Calmar Ratio Rank: 32
GDX Martin Ratio Rank: 30

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.

TNA vs. GDX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Direxion Daily Small Cap Bull 3X Shares (TNA) and VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX). 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.

	TNA	GDX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.01	1.09	+0.93
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.48	1.51	+0.97
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	1.21	+0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.63	1.40	+2.23
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.92	3.87	+8.05

TNA vs. GDX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current TNA Sharpe Ratio is 2.01, which is higher than the GDX Sharpe Ratio of 1.09. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of TNA and GDX, 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

TNA vs. GDX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum TNA drawdown since its inception was -88.09%, which is greater than GDX's maximum drawdown of -80.34%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for TNA and GDX.

Drawdown Indicators

	TNA	GDX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-88.09%	-80.34%	-7.75%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-32.53%	-36.28%	+3.75%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-65.78%	-36.28%	-29.50%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-82.36%	-46.51%	-35.85%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-88.09%	-49.79%	-38.30%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-35.23%	-30.91%	-4.32%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-33.92%	-40.41%	+6.49%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	9.91%	13.11%	-3.20%

Volatility

TNA vs. GDX - Volatility Comparison

Direxion Daily Small Cap Bull 3X Shares (TNA) has a higher volatility of 21.54% compared to VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX) at 17.20%. This indicates that TNA's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than GDX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	TNA	GDX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	21.54%	17.20%	+4.34%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	42.61%	39.15%	+3.46%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	58.70%	46.89%	+11.81%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	67.57%	36.74%	+30.83%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	68.54%	37.34%	+31.20%

TNA vs. GDX - Expense Ratio Comparison

TNA has a 1.14% expense ratio, which is higher than GDX's 0.51% expense ratio.

Dividends

TNA vs. GDX - Dividend Comparison

TNA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.39%, less than GDX's 0.79% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GDX VanEck Gold Miners ETF	0.79%	0.74%	1.19%	1.61%	1.66%	1.67%	0.53%	0.67%	0.50%	0.76%	0.26%	0.85%
TNA Direxion Daily Small Cap Bull 3X Shares	0.39%	0.78%	0.93%	1.27%	0.31%	0.06%	0.03%	0.44%	0.36%	0.15%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both TNA and GDX in my portfolio?

TNA and GDX have a correlation of 0.40, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, TNA or GDX?

TNA has higher volatility (21.54%) compared to GDX (17.20%). In terms of maximum drawdown, TNA dropped -88.09% vs GDX's -80.34%.

Which ETF is better, TNA or GDX?

On 10-year performance, GDX leads with 13.29% vs 8.78% for TNA. On fees, GDX is cheaper at 0.51% per year. On volatility, GDX has been the lower-risk option at 17.20%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, TNA or GDX?

Over the 10-year period, GDX has performed better with a 13.29% return vs 8.78%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, TNA or GDX?

GDX is cheaper with a 0.51% expense ratio, compared with 1.14% for TNA.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, TNA or GDX?

GDX has the higher dividend yield at 0.79%, compared with 0.39% for TNA.

What is the main difference between TNA and GDX?

TNA is categorized as Leveraged Equities, while GDX is Gold. TNA tracks Russell 2000 Index (300%), while GDX tracks NYSE MarketVector Global Gold Miners Index. They also come from different issuers: Direxion and VanEck. Their fees differ too: 1.14% for TNA and 0.51% for GDX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

TNA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.01 vs 1.09), 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.