JNUG vs QQQ
Direxion Daily Junior Gold Miners Index Bull 2X ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. JNUG delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | JNUG | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.03% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $515M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.63% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 7 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +3.26% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +123.49% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +96.71% | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +28.37% | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 113.7% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -100.0% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 3, 2013 | Mar 10, 1999 |
JNUG vs QQQ Performance
Direxion Daily Junior Gold Miners Index Bull 2X ETF (JNUG) is a ETF from Direxion Shares ETF Trust and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year JNUG returned +123.49% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, JNUG is up 3.26% versus a gain of 16.64% for QQQ.
Over three years, JNUG compounded at +96.71% per year against +25.96% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +28.37% and +14.54% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs -33.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
JNUG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 113.7% compared with 30.6% for QQQ. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -100.0% for JNUG and -83.0% for QQQ. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.16. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
JNUG charges 1.03% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $103 vs $18 annually, a gap of $85 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, JNUG currently yields 2.63% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
JNUG and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 105 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, JNUG or QQQ?
JNUG has an expense ratio of 1.03% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $85 per year of difference.
Which performed better, JNUG or QQQ?
Over the past year JNUG returned +123.49% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so JNUG leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), JNUG annualized -33.07% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, JNUG or QQQ?
JNUG has been the more volatile fund at 113.7% annualized versus 30.6% for QQQ. Worst drawdown: JNUG -100.0% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both JNUG and QQQ?
JNUG and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.16, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between JNUG and QQQ?
JNUG and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 105 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, JNUG or QQQ?
JNUG yields 2.63% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so JNUG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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