UPRO vs. NUGT

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

UPRO (ProShares UltraPro S&P 500) and NUGT (Direxion Daily Gold Miners Bull 2X Shares) are both Leveraged Equities funds - UPRO tracks the S&P 500 while NUGT tracks the NYSE Arca Gold Miners Index (300%). Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, UPRO returned 29.76%/yr vs -9.77%/yr for NUGT. At a 0.19 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. UPRO charges 0.89%/yr vs 1.23%/yr for NUGT.

Performance

UPRO vs. NUGT - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, UPRO achieves a 20.70% return, which is significantly higher than NUGT's -27.03% return. Over the past 10 years, UPRO has outperformed NUGT with an annualized return of 29.76%, while NUGT has yielded a comparatively lower -9.77% annualized return.

UPRO

• 1D: 1.54%
• 1M: -1.71%
• YTD: 20.70%
• 6M: 21.09%
• 1Y: 64.83%
• 3Y*: 46.83%
• 5Y*: 21.40%
• 10Y*: 29.76%

NUGT

• 1D: 5.72%
• 1M: -33.37%
• YTD: -27.03%
• 6M: -26.67%
• 1Y: 69.38%
• 3Y*: 55.24%
• 5Y*: 13.62%
• 10Y*: -9.77%

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

UPRO vs. NUGT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
UPRO ProShares UltraPro S&P 500	20.70%	31.88%	63.57%	68.53%	-56.84%	98.64%	10.09%	102.30%	-25.11%	71.37%
NUGT Direxion Daily Gold Miners Bull 2X Shares	-27.03%	425.05%	2.89%	2.60%	-32.10%	-26.31%	-60.16%	100.73%	-44.52%	3.73%

Correlation

The correlation between UPRO and NUGT is 0.38, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.38
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.30
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.29
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.19
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 8, 2010	0.19

The correlation between UPRO and NUGT shifts across timeframes, from 0.19 (all time) to 0.38 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

UPRO vs. NUGT - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	UPRO	NUGT
Financial Services	28.8%	-
Technology	17.8%	-
Communication Services	4.8%	-
Consumer Cyclical	4.5%	-
Healthcare	3.8%	-
Industrials	3.4%	-
Consumer Defensive	2.0%	-
Energy	1.4%	-
Utilities	1.1%	-
Real Estate	0.8%	-
Basic Materials	0.8%	100.0%

Return for Risk

UPRO vs. NUGT — Risk / Return Rank

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

UPRO

UPRO Risk / Return Rank: 57
UPRO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
UPRO Sortino Ratio Rank: 52
UPRO Omega Ratio Rank: 54
UPRO Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
UPRO Martin Ratio Rank: 64

NUGT

NUGT Risk / Return Rank: 27
NUGT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 24
NUGT Sortino Ratio Rank: 29
NUGT Omega Ratio Rank: 33
NUGT Calmar Ratio Rank: 26
NUGT Martin Ratio Rank: 24

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.

UPRO vs. NUGT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ProShares UltraPro S&P 500 (UPRO) and Direxion Daily Gold Miners Bull 2X Shares (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.

	UPRO	NUGT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.77	0.75	+1.02
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.23	1.42	+0.81
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.20	+0.10
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.43	1.10	+1.33
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.01	2.75	+7.26

UPRO vs. NUGT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current UPRO Sharpe Ratio is 1.77, which is higher than the NUGT Sharpe Ratio of 0.75. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of UPRO 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

UPRO vs. NUGT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum UPRO drawdown since its inception was -76.82%, smaller than the maximum NUGT drawdown of -99.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for UPRO and NUGT.

Drawdown Indicators

	UPRO	NUGT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-76.82%	-99.97%	+23.15%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-26.78%	-63.43%	+36.65%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-48.87%	-63.43%	+14.56%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-63.94%	-73.72%	+9.78%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-76.82%	-96.91%	+20.09%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-7.60%	-99.83%	+92.23%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-14.40%	-91.52%	+77.12%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.50%	25.30%	-18.80%

Volatility

UPRO vs. NUGT - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for ProShares UltraPro S&P 500 (UPRO) is 13.22%, while Direxion Daily Gold Miners Bull 2X Shares (NUGT) has a volatility of 34.50%. This indicates that UPRO 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

	UPRO	NUGT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	13.22%	34.50%	-21.28%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	28.74%	78.60%	-49.86%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	36.77%	92.79%	-56.02%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	50.52%	72.64%	-22.12%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	53.83%	88.12%	-34.29%

UPRO vs. NUGT - Expense Ratio Comparison

UPRO has a 0.89% expense ratio, which is lower than NUGT's 1.23% expense ratio.

Dividends

UPRO vs. NUGT - Dividend Comparison

UPRO's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.72%, more than NUGT's 0.41% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
NUGT Direxion Daily Gold Miners Bull 2X Shares	0.41%	0.22%	1.79%	1.67%	0.70%	0.00%	0.00%	0.63%	0.57%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
UPRO ProShares UltraPro S&P 500	0.72%	0.84%	0.93%	0.74%	0.52%	0.06%	0.11%	0.41%	0.63%	0.00%	0.12%	0.34%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both UPRO and NUGT in my portfolio?

UPRO and NUGT have a correlation of 0.38, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, UPRO or NUGT?

NUGT has higher volatility (34.50%) compared to UPRO (13.22%). In terms of maximum drawdown, UPRO dropped -76.82% vs NUGT's -99.97%.

Which ETF is better, UPRO or NUGT?

On 10-year performance, UPRO leads with 29.76% vs -9.77% for NUGT. On fees, UPRO is cheaper at 0.89% per year. On volatility, UPRO has been the lower-risk option at 13.22%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, UPRO or NUGT?

Over the 10-year period, UPRO has performed better with a 29.76% return vs -9.77%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, UPRO or NUGT?

UPRO is cheaper with a 0.89% expense ratio, compared with 1.23% for NUGT.

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

UPRO has the higher dividend yield at 0.72%, compared with 0.41% for NUGT.

What is the main difference between UPRO and NUGT?

UPRO tracks S&P 500, while NUGT tracks NYSE Arca Gold Miners Index (300%). They also come from different issuers: ProShares and Direxion. Their fees differ too: 0.89% for UPRO and 1.23% for NUGT.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

UPRO currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.77 vs 0.75), 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.