AAAU vs. CHPS

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

AAAU (Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF) and CHPS (Xtrackers Semiconductor Select Equity ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - AAAU is a Gold fund tracking the LBMA Gold PM Price, while CHPS is a Semiconductors fund tracking the Solactive Semiconductor ESG Screened Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, AAAU returned 22.47% vs 202.19% for CHPS. At a 0.17 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. AAAU charges 0.18%/yr vs 0.15%/yr for CHPS.

Performance

AAAU vs. CHPS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF (AAAU) and Xtrackers Semiconductor Select Equity ETF (CHPS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, AAAU achieves a -2.40% return, which is significantly lower than CHPS's 104.33% return.

AAAU

• 1D: 0.12%
• 1M: -7.36%
• YTD: -2.40%
• 6M: -2.14%
• 1Y: 22.47%
• 3Y*: 29.19%
• 5Y*: 17.33%
• 10Y*: —

CHPS

• 1D: 1.77%
• 1M: 18.12%
• YTD: 104.33%
• 6M: 111.24%
• 1Y: 202.19%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

AAAU vs. CHPS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
AAAU Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF	-2.40%	64.06%	26.91%	5.25%
CHPS Xtrackers Semiconductor Select Equity ETF	104.33%	58.47%	7.75%	10.88%

Correlation

The correlation between AAAU and CHPS is 0.23, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.23
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 13, 2023	0.17

Return for Risk

AAAU vs. CHPS — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

AAAU

AAAU Risk / Return Rank: 26
AAAU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 28
AAAU Sortino Ratio Rank: 25
AAAU Omega Ratio Rank: 31
AAAU Calmar Ratio Rank: 24
AAAU Martin Ratio Rank: 24

CHPS

CHPS Risk / Return Rank: 97
CHPS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 98
CHPS Sortino Ratio Rank: 96
CHPS Omega Ratio Rank: 95
CHPS Calmar Ratio Rank: 98
CHPS Martin Ratio Rank: 97

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

AAAU vs. CHPS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF (AAAU) and Xtrackers Semiconductor Select Equity ETF (CHPS). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	AAAU	CHPS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.89	5.25	-4.35
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.26	4.99	-3.74
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.19	1.69	-0.50
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.99	11.29	-10.29
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.86	42.06	-39.19

AAAU vs. CHPS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current AAAU Sharpe Ratio is 0.89, which is lower than the CHPS Sharpe Ratio of 5.25. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of AAAU and CHPS, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

AAAU vs. CHPS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AAAU drawdown since its inception was -24.38%, smaller than the maximum CHPS drawdown of -39.44%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AAAU and CHPS.

Drawdown Indicators

	AAAU	CHPS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-24.38%	-39.44%	+15.06%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-24.38%	-17.50%	-6.88%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-24.38%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.38%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-21.95%	-1.75%	-20.20%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.23%	-9.13%	+2.90%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	8.44%	4.69%	+3.75%

Volatility

AAAU vs. CHPS - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF (AAAU) is 7.77%, while Xtrackers Semiconductor Select Equity ETF (CHPS) has a volatility of 19.27%. This indicates that AAAU experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than CHPS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	AAAU	CHPS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.77%	19.27%	-11.50%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	23.88%	32.12%	-8.24%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	27.10%	37.63%	-10.53%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.06%	34.78%	-16.72%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.13%	34.78%	-17.65%

AAAU vs. CHPS - Expense Ratio Comparison

AAAU has a 0.18% expense ratio, which is higher than CHPS's 0.15% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

AAAU vs. CHPS - Dividend Comparison

AAAU has not paid dividends to shareholders, while CHPS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.33%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
AAAU Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
CHPS Xtrackers Semiconductor Select Equity ETF	0.33%	0.68%	1.75%	0.36%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AAAU and CHPS in my portfolio?

AAAU and CHPS have a correlation of 0.23, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, AAAU or CHPS?

CHPS has higher volatility (19.27%) compared to AAAU (7.77%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AAAU dropped -24.38% vs CHPS's -39.44%.

Which ETF is better, AAAU or CHPS?

On 1-year performance, CHPS leads with 202.19% vs 22.47% for AAAU. On fees, CHPS is cheaper at 0.15% per year. On volatility, AAAU has been the lower-risk option at 7.77%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, AAAU or CHPS?

Over the 1-year period, CHPS has performed better with a 202.19% return vs 22.47%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, AAAU or CHPS?

CHPS is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.18% for AAAU.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, AAAU or CHPS?

CHPS has the higher dividend yield at 0.33%, compared with 0.00% for AAAU.

What is the main difference between AAAU and CHPS?

AAAU is categorized as Gold, while CHPS is Semiconductors. AAAU tracks LBMA Gold PM Price, while CHPS tracks Solactive Semiconductor ESG Screened Index. They also come from different issuers: Goldman Sachs and Xtrackers. Their fees differ too: 0.18% for AAAU and 0.15% for CHPS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

CHPS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (5.25 vs 0.89), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.