JNUG vs SPY
Direxion Daily Junior Gold Miners Index Bull 2X ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. JNUG delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | JNUG | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.03% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $515M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.63% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 7 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | -1.77% | +12.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +120.40% | +20.83% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +94.84% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +29.68% | +12.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 113.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -100.0% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 3, 2013 | Jan 22, 1993 |
JNUG vs SPY Performance
Direxion Daily Junior Gold Miners Index Bull 2X ETF (JNUG) is a ETF from Direxion Shares ETF Trust and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year JNUG returned +120.40% while SPY returned +20.83%. Year to date, JNUG is down 1.77% versus a gain of 12.22% for SPY.
Over three years, JNUG compounded at +94.84% per year against +21.70% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +29.68% and +12.98% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.79% annualized vs -33.34%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
JNUG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 113.2% compared with 15.3% for SPY. 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 -56.5% for SPY. 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 0.23. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
JNUG charges 1.03% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $103 vs $9 annually, a gap of $94 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, JNUG currently yields 2.63% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
JNUG and SPY share 0 holdings out of 507 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 SPY?
JNUG has an expense ratio of 1.03% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $94 per year of difference.
Which performed better, JNUG or SPY?
Over the past year JNUG returned +120.40% vs +20.83% for SPY, so JNUG leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), JNUG annualized -33.34% vs +8.79% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, JNUG or SPY?
JNUG has been the more volatile fund at 113.2% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: JNUG -100.0% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both JNUG and SPY?
JNUG and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.23, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between JNUG and SPY?
JNUG and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 507 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, JNUG or SPY?
JNUG yields 2.63% while SPY yields 1.01%, so JNUG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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