NUGT vs PSFD
Direxion Daily Gold Miners Index Bull 2X ETF vs Pacer Swan SOS Flex (January) ETF
Which is better, NUGT or PSFD?
Each has led over a different period.
PSFD has a lower expense ratio. NUGT led over 3Y, 5Y and the full window, PSFD 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 | PSFD |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.13% | 0.49%Best |
| AUM | $993M | $61M |
| Dividend Yield | 0.75% | 0.00% |
| Holdings | 20 | 14 |
| YTD Return | -27.70% | +9.85%Best |
| 1Y Return | -17.67% | +13.53%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +64.31%Best | +15.14% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +21.20%Best | +11.69% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 76.3% | 9.2%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -73.8% | -14.9%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $26,152Best | $17,381 |
| Fund Family | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | Pacer ETFs |
| Category | Alternative | Alternative |
| Style | Multi Alternative | Multi Alternative |
| Inception | Dec 8, 2010 | Dec 22, 2020 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Dec 23, 2020 to Oct 14, 2026 (5.8 years).
NUGT vs PSFD 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 5.8 years both funds cover.
NUGT vs PSFD Performance
Direxion Daily Gold Miners Index Bull 2X ETF (NUGT) is an ETF from Direxion Shares ETF Trust and Pacer Swan SOS Flex (January) ETF (PSFD) is an ETF from Pacer ETFs. Over the past year NUGT returned -17.67% while PSFD returned +13.53%. Year to date, NUGT is down 27.70% versus a gain of 9.85% for PSFD.
Over three years, NUGT compounded at +64.31% per year against +15.14% for PSFD; over five years the annualized figures are +21.20% and +11.69% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, NUGT has the edge at +12.72% annualized vs +12.66%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
NUGT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 76.3% compared with 9.2% for PSFD. 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 -14.9% for PSFD. 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
NUGT charges 1.13% per year while PSFD 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 PSFD.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of NUGT and PSFD 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 PSFD?
NUGT has an expense ratio of 1.13% while PSFD charges 0.49%. PSFD is the cheaper option, by $64 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, NUGT or PSFD?
Over the past year NUGT returned -17.67% vs +13.53% for PSFD, so PSFD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), NUGT annualized +12.72% vs +12.66% for PSFD. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, NUGT or PSFD?
NUGT has been the more volatile fund at 76.3% annualized versus 9.2% for PSFD. Worst drawdown: NUGT -73.8% vs PSFD -14.9%.
Should I hold both NUGT and PSFD?
NUGT and PSFD 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, NUGT or PSFD?
NUGT yields 0.75% while PSFD yields 0.00%, so NUGT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is PSFD better than NUGT?
PSFD has a lower expense ratio. NUGT led over 3Y, 5Y and the full window, PSFD over 1Y. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.