FAPR vs NUGT
FT Vest US Equity Buffer ETF - April vs Direxion Daily Gold Miners Index Bull 2X ETF
Which is better, FAPR or NUGT?
Each has led over a different period.
FAPR has a lower expense ratio. FAPR led over 1Y, NUGT over 3Y, 5Y and the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FAPR | NUGT |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85%Best | 1.13% |
| AUM | $1.4B | $993M |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.75% |
| Holdings | 10 | 20 |
| YTD Return | +8.21%Best | -27.70% |
| 1Y Return | +10.78%Best | -17.67% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.68% | +64.31%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.84% | +21.20%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 8.9%Best | 77.6% |
| Max Drawdown | -16.0%Best | -73.8% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $15,274 | $26,152Best |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Direxion Shares ETF Trust |
| Category | Alternative | Alternative |
| Style | Multi Alternative | Multi Alternative |
| Inception | Apr 16, 2021 | Dec 8, 2010 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Apr 19, 2021 to Oct 14, 2026 (5.5 years).
FAPR vs NUGT growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 5.5 years both funds cover.
FAPR vs NUGT Performance
FT Vest US Equity Buffer ETF - April (FAPR) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Direxion Daily Gold Miners Index Bull 2X ETF (NUGT) is an ETF from Direxion Shares ETF Trust. Over the past year FAPR returned +10.78% while NUGT returned -17.67%. Year to date, FAPR is up 8.21% versus a loss of 27.70% for NUGT.
Over three years, FAPR compounded at +13.68% per year against +64.31% for NUGT; over five years the annualized figures are +8.84% and +21.20% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, NUGT has the edge at +14.48% annualized vs +8.97%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
NUGT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 77.6% compared with 8.9% for FAPR. 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 -16.0% for FAPR and -73.8% for NUGT. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.24. They move largely independently of each other.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FAPR charges 0.85% per year while NUGT charges 1.13%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $113 annually, a gap of $28 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FAPR currently yields 0.00% against 0.75% for NUGT.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of FAPR and NUGT you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FAPR or NUGT?
FAPR has an expense ratio of 0.85% while NUGT charges 1.13%. FAPR is the cheaper option, by $28 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, FAPR or NUGT?
Over the past year FAPR returned +10.78% vs -17.67% for NUGT, so FAPR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), FAPR annualized +8.97% vs +14.48% for NUGT. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, FAPR or NUGT?
NUGT has been the more volatile fund at 77.6% annualized versus 8.9% for FAPR. Worst drawdown: FAPR -16.0% vs NUGT -73.8%.
Should I hold both FAPR and NUGT?
FAPR and NUGT have a monthly-return correlation of 0.24, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, FAPR or NUGT?
FAPR yields 0.00% while NUGT yields 0.75%, so NUGT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is NUGT better than FAPR?
FAPR has a lower expense ratio. FAPR led over 1Y, NUGT over 3Y, 5Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.