JNUG vs VTI
Direxion Daily Junior Gold Miners Index Bull 2X ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. JNUG delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | JNUG | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.03% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $515M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.63% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 7 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +3.26% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +123.49% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +96.71% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +28.37% | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 113.7% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -100.0% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 3, 2013 | May 24, 2001 |
JNUG vs VTI Performance
Direxion Daily Junior Gold Miners Index Bull 2X ETF (JNUG) is a ETF from Direxion Shares ETF Trust and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year JNUG returned +123.49% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, JNUG is up 3.26% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, JNUG compounded at +96.71% per year against +21.83% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +28.37% and +12.01% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.09% 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 15.3% for VTI. 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 -56.6% for VTI. 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 0.25. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
JNUG charges 1.03% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $103 vs $3 annually, a gap of $100 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, JNUG currently yields 2.63% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
JNUG and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2790 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 VTI?
JNUG has an expense ratio of 1.03% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $100 per year of difference.
Which performed better, JNUG or VTI?
Over the past year JNUG returned +123.49% vs +22.35% for VTI, so JNUG leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), JNUG annualized -33.07% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, JNUG or VTI?
JNUG has been the more volatile fund at 113.7% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: JNUG -100.0% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both JNUG and VTI?
JNUG and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.25, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between JNUG and VTI?
JNUG and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2790 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, JNUG or VTI?
JNUG yields 2.63% while VTI yields 1.07%, so JNUG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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