NUGT vs PSCW
Direxion Daily Gold Miners Index Bull 2X ETF vs Pacer Swan SOS Conservative (April) ETF
Which is better, NUGT or PSCW?
Each has led over a different period.
PSCW has a lower expense ratio. NUGT led over 3Y, 5Y and the full window, PSCW over 1Y.
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 | NUGT | PSCW |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.13% | 0.49%Best |
| AUM | $993M | $62M |
| Dividend Yield | 0.75% | 0.00% |
| Holdings | 20 | 12 |
| YTD Return | -27.70% | +10.26%Best |
| 1Y Return | -17.67% | +12.60%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +64.31%Best | +11.95% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +21.20%Best | +7.34% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 77.6% | 6.8%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -73.8% | -11.9%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $26,152Best | $14,250 |
| Fund Family | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | Pacer ETFs |
| Category | Alternative | Alternative |
| Style | Multi Alternative | Multi Alternative |
| Inception | Dec 8, 2010 | Mar 31, 2021 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Apr 1, 2021 to Oct 14, 2026 (5.5 years).
NUGT vs PSCW 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 is available from the range buttons; it is not the opening view here because over the whole period one of these two funds moves so much further than the other that its line would sit flat on the axis.
NUGT vs PSCW Performance
Direxion Daily Gold Miners Index Bull 2X ETF (NUGT) is an ETF from Direxion Shares ETF Trust and Pacer Swan SOS Conservative (April) ETF (PSCW) is an ETF from Pacer ETFs. Over the past year NUGT returned -17.67% while PSCW returned +12.60%. Year to date, NUGT is down 27.70% versus a gain of 10.26% for PSCW.
Over three years, NUGT compounded at +64.31% per year against +11.95% for PSCW; over five years the annualized figures are +21.20% and +7.34% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, NUGT has the edge at +16.91% annualized vs +7.42%.
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 6.8% for PSCW. 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 -73.8% for NUGT and -11.9% for PSCW. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.15. They move largely independently of each other.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NUGT charges 1.13% per year while PSCW charges 0.49%. On a $10,000 position that is $113 vs $49 annually, a gap of $64 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NUGT currently yields 0.75% against 0.00% for PSCW.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of NUGT and PSCW 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, NUGT or PSCW?
NUGT has an expense ratio of 1.13% while PSCW charges 0.49%. PSCW is the cheaper option, by $64 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, NUGT or PSCW?
Over the past year NUGT returned -17.67% vs +12.60% for PSCW, so PSCW leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), NUGT annualized +16.91% vs +7.42% for PSCW. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, NUGT or PSCW?
NUGT has been the more volatile fund at 77.6% annualized versus 6.8% for PSCW. Worst drawdown: NUGT -73.8% vs PSCW -11.9%.
Should I hold both NUGT and PSCW?
NUGT and PSCW have a monthly-return correlation of 0.15, 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, NUGT or PSCW?
NUGT yields 0.75% while PSCW yields 0.00%, so NUGT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is PSCW better than NUGT?
PSCW has a lower expense ratio. NUGT led over 3Y, 5Y and the full window, PSCW over 1Y. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.