NUGT vs VYM
Direxion Daily Gold Miners Index Bull 2X ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. NUGT delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | NUGT | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.13% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $1.1B | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.65% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 10 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | -12.25% | +16.42% | |
| 1Y Return | +79.98% | +24.22% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +77.03% | +19.03% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +25.93% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 96.6% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -100.0% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 8, 2010 | Nov 10, 2006 |
NUGT vs VYM Performance
Direxion Daily Gold Miners Index Bull 2X ETF (NUGT) is a ETF from Direxion Shares ETF Trust and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year NUGT returned +79.98% while VYM returned +24.22%. Year to date, NUGT is down 12.25% versus a gain of 16.42% for VYM.
Over three years, NUGT compounded at +77.03% per year against +19.03% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +25.93% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.10% annualized vs -32.34%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
NUGT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 96.6% compared with 14.6% for VYM. 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 -58.8% for VYM. 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 VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $113 vs $4 annually, a gap of $109 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NUGT currently yields 0.65% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
NUGT and VYM share 0 holdings out of 607 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 VYM?
NUGT has an expense ratio of 1.13% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $109 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NUGT or VYM?
Over the past year NUGT returned +79.98% vs +24.22% for VYM, so NUGT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), NUGT annualized -32.34% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NUGT or VYM?
NUGT has been the more volatile fund at 96.6% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: NUGT -100.0% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both NUGT and VYM?
NUGT and VYM 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 VYM?
NUGT and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 607 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NUGT or VYM?
NUGT yields 0.65% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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