UGLD vs. SPUU

Last updated Jun 30, 2026

UGLD (Direxion Daily Gold Bull 2X ETF) and SPUU (Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bull 2X ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - UGLD is a Leveraged Commodities fund actively managed by Direxion, while SPUU is a Leveraged Equities fund tracking the S&P 500 Index (200% Daily). UGLD is actively managed, while SPUU is passively managed. A 0.62 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. UGLD charges 1.07%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for SPUU.

Performance

UGLD vs. SPUU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Direxion Daily Gold Bull 2X ETF (UGLD) and Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bull 2X ETF (SPUU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

UGLD

• 1D: -2.66%
• 1M: -23.12%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SPUU

• 1D: 2.81%
• 1M: -4.15%
• YTD: 15.54%
• 6M: 13.29%
• 1Y: 39.09%
• 3Y*: 33.25%
• 5Y*: 18.53%
• 10Y*: 24.27%

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

UGLD vs. SPUU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
UGLD Direxion Daily Gold Bull 2X ETF	-19.30%
SPUU Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bull 2X ETF	-2.66%

Correlation

The correlation between UGLD and SPUU is 0.62, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 28, 2026	0.62

Return for Risk

UGLD vs. SPUU — Risk / Return Rank

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

UGLD

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

SPUU

SPUU Risk / Return Rank: 52
SPUU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 53
SPUU Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
SPUU Omega Ratio Rank: 49
SPUU Calmar Ratio Rank: 50
SPUU Martin Ratio Rank: 59

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.

UGLD vs. SPUU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Direxion Daily Gold Bull 2X ETF (UGLD) and Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bull 2X ETF (SPUU). 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.

	UGLD	SPUU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	1.56	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	2.09	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.27	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	2.16	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	9.02	—

Drawdowns

UGLD vs. SPUU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum UGLD drawdown since its inception was -24.16%, smaller than the maximum SPUU drawdown of -59.35%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for UGLD and SPUU.

Drawdown Indicators

	UGLD	SPUU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-24.16%	-59.35%	+35.19%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-18.19%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-35.18%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-46.59%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-59.35%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-23.12%	-4.80%	-18.32%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.33%	-9.48%	-2.85%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	4.34%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	UGLD	SPUU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	9.90%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	19.99%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	59.10%	25.22%	+33.88%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	59.10%	33.69%	+25.41%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	59.10%	35.76%	+23.34%

UGLD vs. SPUU - Expense Ratio Comparison

UGLD has a 1.07% expense ratio, which is higher than SPUU's 0.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

UGLD vs. SPUU - Dividend Comparison

UGLD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.24%, less than SPUU's 1.36% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SPUU Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bull 2X ETF	1.36%	1.63%	0.55%	0.83%	0.88%	3.04%	8.03%	1.80%	5.50%	6.96%	8.08%	4.42%
UGLD Direxion Daily Gold Bull 2X ETF	0.24%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both UGLD and SPUU in my portfolio?

UGLD and SPUU have a correlation of 0.62, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, UGLD or SPUU?

On fees, SPUU is cheaper at 0.60% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, UGLD or SPUU?

SPUU is cheaper with a 0.60% expense ratio, compared with 1.07% for UGLD.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, UGLD or SPUU?

SPUU has the higher dividend yield at 1.36%, compared with 0.24% for UGLD.

What is the main difference between UGLD and SPUU?

UGLD is categorized as Leveraged Commodities, while SPUU is Leveraged Equities. Their fees differ too: 1.07% for UGLD and 0.60% for SPUU.