NUGT vs SCHD
Direxion Daily Gold Miners Index Bull 2X ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. NUGT delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 100 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | NUGT | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.13% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $889M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.61% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 10 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | -10.18% | +25.58% | |
| 1Y Return | +81.05% | +31.06% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +75.40% | +15.55% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +27.25% | +9.61% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 96.7% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -100.0% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 8, 2010 | Oct 20, 2011 |
NUGT vs SCHD Performance
Direxion Daily Gold Miners Index Bull 2X ETF (NUGT) is a ETF from Direxion Shares ETF Trust and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year NUGT returned +81.05% while SCHD returned +31.06%. Year to date, NUGT is down 10.18% versus a gain of 25.58% for SCHD.
Over three years, NUGT compounded at +75.40% per year against +15.55% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +27.25% and +9.61% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.46% annualized vs -32.25%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
NUGT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 96.7% compared with 13.6% for SCHD. 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 -33.4% for SCHD. 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 0.22. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NUGT charges 1.13% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $113 vs $6 annually, a gap of $107 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NUGT currently yields 0.61% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
NUGT and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 104 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 SCHD?
NUGT has an expense ratio of 1.13% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $107 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NUGT or SCHD?
Over the past year NUGT returned +81.05% vs +31.06% for SCHD, so NUGT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), NUGT annualized -32.25% vs +11.46% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NUGT or SCHD?
NUGT has been the more volatile fund at 96.7% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: NUGT -100.0% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both NUGT and SCHD?
NUGT and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.22, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NUGT and SCHD?
NUGT and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 104 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NUGT or SCHD?
NUGT yields 0.61% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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