NUGT vs QQQ
Direxion Daily Gold Miners Index Bull 2X ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. NUGT delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | NUGT | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.13% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $1.1B | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.65% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 10 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +13.42% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +121.19% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +94.34% | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +33.55% | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 98.4% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -100.0% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 8, 2010 | Mar 10, 1999 |
NUGT vs QQQ Performance
Direxion Daily Gold Miners Index Bull 2X ETF (NUGT) 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 NUGT returned +121.19% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, NUGT is up 13.42% versus a gain of 16.64% for QQQ.
Over three years, NUGT compounded at +94.34% per year against +25.96% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +33.55% and +14.54% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs -31.19%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
NUGT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 98.4% 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 NUGT 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 0.15. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NUGT charges 1.13% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $113 vs $18 annually, a gap of $95 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NUGT currently yields 0.65% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
NUGT and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 106 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, NUGT or QQQ?
NUGT has an expense ratio of 1.13% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $95 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NUGT or QQQ?
Over the past year NUGT returned +121.19% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so NUGT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), NUGT annualized -31.19% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NUGT or QQQ?
NUGT has been the more volatile fund at 98.4% annualized versus 30.6% for QQQ. Worst drawdown: NUGT -100.0% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both NUGT and QQQ?
NUGT and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.15, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NUGT and QQQ?
NUGT and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 106 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NUGT or QQQ?
NUGT yields 0.65% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so NUGT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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