NUGT vs VOO
Direxion Daily Gold Miners Index Bull 2X ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. NUGT delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | NUGT | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.13% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.1B | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.65% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 10 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | -15.36% | +14.48% | |
| 1Y Return | +71.17% | +22.02% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +71.87% | +21.80% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +24.77% | +13.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 96.4% | 14.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -100.0% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 8, 2010 | Sep 7, 2010 |
NUGT vs VOO Performance
Direxion Daily Gold Miners Index Bull 2X ETF (NUGT) is a ETF from Direxion Shares ETF Trust and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year NUGT returned +71.17% while VOO returned +22.02%. Year to date, NUGT is down 15.36% versus a gain of 14.48% for VOO.
Over three years, NUGT compounded at +71.87% per year against +21.80% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +24.77% and +13.36% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.61% annualized vs -32.50%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
NUGT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 96.4% compared with 14.2% for VOO. 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 -34.3% for VOO. 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 0.20. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NUGT charges 1.13% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $113 vs $3 annually, a gap of $110 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NUGT currently yields 0.65% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
NUGT and VOO share 0 holdings out of 509 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 VOO?
NUGT has an expense ratio of 1.13% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $110 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NUGT or VOO?
Over the past year NUGT returned +71.17% vs +22.02% for VOO, so NUGT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), NUGT annualized -32.50% vs +13.61% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NUGT or VOO?
NUGT has been the more volatile fund at 96.4% annualized versus 14.2% for VOO. Worst drawdown: NUGT -100.0% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both NUGT and VOO?
NUGT and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.20, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NUGT and VOO?
NUGT and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 509 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NUGT or VOO?
NUGT yields 0.65% while VOO yields 1.08%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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