NUGT vs VTI
Direxion Daily Gold Miners Index Bull 2X ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. NUGT delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | NUGT | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.13% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.1B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.65% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 10 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +13.42% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +121.19% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +94.34% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +33.55% | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 98.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -100.0% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 8, 2010 | May 24, 2001 |
NUGT vs VTI Performance
Direxion Daily Gold Miners Index Bull 2X ETF (NUGT) 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 NUGT returned +121.19% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, NUGT is up 13.42% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, NUGT compounded at +94.34% per year against +21.83% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +33.55% and +12.01% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.09% 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 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 NUGT 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 0.21. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NUGT charges 1.13% per year while VTI 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 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
NUGT and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2791 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 VTI?
NUGT has an expense ratio of 1.13% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $110 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NUGT or VTI?
Over the past year NUGT returned +121.19% vs +22.35% for VTI, so NUGT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), NUGT annualized -31.19% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NUGT or VTI?
NUGT has been the more volatile fund at 98.4% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: NUGT -100.0% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both NUGT and VTI?
NUGT and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.21, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NUGT and VTI?
NUGT and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2791 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NUGT or VTI?
NUGT yields 0.65% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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