FTLS vs NUGT
First Trust Long/Short Equity ETF vs Direxion Daily Gold Miners Index Bull 2X ETF
Which is better, FTLS or NUGT?
Each has led over a different period.
NUGT has a lower expense ratio. FTLS led over 1Y and the full window, NUGT over 3Y and 5Y.
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 | FTLS | NUGT |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.38% | 1.13%Best |
| AUM | $2.7B | $993M |
| Dividend Yield | 0.87% | 0.75% |
| Holdings | 363 | 20 |
| YTD Return | +9.83%Best | -27.70% |
| 1Y Return | +13.43%Best | -17.67% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.42% | +64.31%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.59% | +21.20%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 8.7%Best | 99.1% |
| Max Drawdown | -20.5%Best | -98.5% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $16,542 | $26,152Best |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Direxion Shares ETF Trust |
| Category | Alternative | Alternative |
| Style | Multi Alternative | Multi Alternative |
| Inception | Sep 8, 2014 | Dec 8, 2010 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Sep 9, 2014 to Oct 14, 2026 (12.1 years).
FTLS 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 12.1 years both funds cover.
FTLS vs NUGT Performance
First Trust Long/Short Equity ETF (FTLS) 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 FTLS returned +13.43% while NUGT returned -17.67%. Year to date, FTLS is up 9.83% versus a loss of 27.70% for NUGT.
Over three years, FTLS compounded at +14.42% per year against +64.31% for NUGT; over five years the annualized figures are +10.59% and +21.20% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, FTLS has the edge at +8.71% annualized vs -17.48%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
NUGT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 99.1% compared with 8.7% for FTLS. 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 -20.5% for FTLS and -98.5% 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 0.18. They move largely independently of each other.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTLS charges 1.38% per year while NUGT charges 1.13%. On a $10,000 position that is $138 vs $113 annually, a gap of $25 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FTLS currently yields 0.87% against 0.75% for NUGT.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 507 holdings in FTLS and 4 in NUGT, totalling 94.2% and 41.7% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 507 positions we hold weights for in FTLS and 4 in NUGT, against full books of 363 and 20.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of FTLS 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, FTLS or NUGT?
FTLS has an expense ratio of 1.38% while NUGT charges 1.13%. NUGT is the cheaper option, by $25 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, FTLS or NUGT?
Over the past year FTLS returned +13.43% vs -17.67% for NUGT, so FTLS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), FTLS annualized +8.71% vs -17.48% for NUGT. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, FTLS or NUGT?
NUGT has been the more volatile fund at 99.1% annualized versus 8.7% for FTLS. Worst drawdown: FTLS -20.5% vs NUGT -98.5%.
Should I hold both FTLS and NUGT?
FTLS and NUGT have a monthly-return correlation of 0.18, 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, FTLS or NUGT?
FTLS yields 0.87% while NUGT yields 0.75%, so FTLS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is NUGT better than FTLS?
NUGT has a lower expense ratio. FTLS led over 1Y and the full window, NUGT over 3Y and 5Y. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.