NUGT vs XYLD
Direxion Daily Gold Miners Index Bull 2X ETF vs Global X S&P 500 Covered Call ETF
Which is better, NUGT or XYLD?
Each has led over a different period.
XYLD has a lower expense ratio. NUGT led over 3Y and 5Y, XYLD over 1Y 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 | NUGT | XYLD |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.13% | 0.60%Best |
| AUM | $993M | $3.4B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.75% | 10.44% |
| Holdings | 20 | 1,014 |
| YTD Return | -27.70% | +11.42%Best |
| 1Y Return | -17.67% | +18.43%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +64.31%Best | +13.38% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +21.20%Best | +7.59% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 99.2% | 11.1%Best |
| Max Drawdown | - | -34.7% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $26,152Best | $14,416 |
| Fund Family | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | Global X by mirae Asset |
| Category | Alternative | Alternative |
| Style | Multi Alternative | Multi Alternative |
| Inception | Dec 8, 2010 | Jun 21, 2013 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Jun 24, 2013 to Oct 14, 2026 (13.3 years).
NUGT vs XYLD 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 13.3 years both funds cover.
NUGT vs XYLD Performance
Direxion Daily Gold Miners Index Bull 2X ETF (NUGT) is an ETF from Direxion Shares ETF Trust and Global X S&P 500 Covered Call ETF (XYLD) is an ETF from Global X by mirae Asset. Over the past year NUGT returned -17.67% while XYLD returned +18.43%. Year to date, NUGT is down 27.70% versus a gain of 11.42% for XYLD.
Over three years, NUGT compounded at +64.31% per year against +13.38% for XYLD; over five years the annualized figures are +21.20% and +7.59% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, XYLD has the edge at +5.08% annualized vs -18.84%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
NUGT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 99.2% compared with 11.1% for XYLD. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.23. They move largely independently of each other.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NUGT charges 1.13% per year while XYLD charges 0.60%. On a $10,000 position that is $113 vs $60 annually, a gap of $53 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NUGT currently yields 0.75% against 10.44% for XYLD.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 4 holdings in NUGT and 496 in XYLD, totalling 41.7% and 101.3% 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 4 positions we hold weights for in NUGT and 496 in XYLD, against full books of 20 and 1,014.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of NUGT and XYLD 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 XYLD?
NUGT has an expense ratio of 1.13% while XYLD charges 0.60%. XYLD is the cheaper option, by $53 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, NUGT or XYLD?
Over the past year NUGT returned -17.67% vs +18.43% for XYLD, so XYLD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), NUGT annualized -18.84% vs +5.08% for XYLD. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, NUGT or XYLD?
NUGT has been the more volatile fund at 99.2% annualized versus 11.1% for XYLD.
Should I hold both NUGT and XYLD?
NUGT and XYLD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.23, 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 XYLD?
NUGT yields 0.75% while XYLD yields 10.44%, so XYLD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is XYLD better than NUGT?
XYLD has a lower expense ratio. NUGT led over 3Y and 5Y, XYLD over 1Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.