AUAU vs. BGLD

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

AUAU (Global X Gold Miners ETF) and BGLD (FT Vest Gold Strategy Quarterly Buffer ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - AUAU is a Gold fund tracking the NYSE Arca Gold Miners Index, while BGLD is a Defined Outcome fund actively managed by FT Vest. AUAU is passively managed, while BGLD is actively managed. A 0.69 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. AUAU charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.91%/yr for BGLD.

Performance

AUAU vs. BGLD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Global X Gold Miners ETF (AUAU) and FT Vest Gold Strategy Quarterly Buffer ETF (BGLD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, AUAU achieves a -6.86% return, which is significantly lower than BGLD's -1.29% return.

AUAU

• 1D: -8.34%
• 1M: -14.13%
• YTD: -6.86%
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BGLD

• 1D: -2.05%
• 1M: -2.51%
• YTD: -1.29%
• 6M: -0.81%
• 1Y: 11.33%
• 3Y*: 18.58%
• 5Y*: 10.84%
• 10Y*: —

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

AUAU vs. BGLD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
AUAU Global X Gold Miners ETF	-6.86%	4.18%
BGLD FT Vest Gold Strategy Quarterly Buffer ETF	-1.29%	0.69%

Correlation

The correlation between AUAU and BGLD is 0.69, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 11, 2025	0.69

Return for Risk

AUAU vs. BGLD — Risk / Return Rank

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

BGLD

BGLD Risk / Return Rank: 26
BGLD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 27
BGLD Sortino Ratio Rank: 25
BGLD Omega Ratio Rank: 29
BGLD Calmar Ratio Rank: 23
BGLD Martin Ratio Rank: 25

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.

AUAU vs. BGLD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X Gold Miners ETF (AUAU) and FT Vest Gold Strategy Quarterly Buffer ETF (BGLD). 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	AUAU	BGLD	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	0.94	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	1.09	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	-0.12	1.01	-1.13

Drawdowns

AUAU vs. BGLD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AUAU drawdown since its inception was -31.20%, which is greater than BGLD's maximum drawdown of -16.19%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AUAU and BGLD.

Drawdown Indicators

	AUAU	BGLD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-31.20%	-16.19%	-15.01%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-11.11%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-11.11%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-15.52%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-31.20%	-8.70%	-22.50%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.89%	-3.65%	-9.24%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	3.55%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	AUAU	BGLD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	2.74%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	10.22%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	51.93%	12.09%	+39.84%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	51.93%	10.01%	+41.92%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	51.93%	9.93%	+42.00%

AUAU vs. BGLD - Expense Ratio Comparison

AUAU has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is lower than BGLD's 0.91% expense ratio.

Dividends

AUAU vs. BGLD - Dividend Comparison

AUAU has not paid dividends to shareholders, while BGLD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 44.90%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
AUAU Global X Gold Miners ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
BGLD FT Vest Gold Strategy Quarterly Buffer ETF	44.90%	44.32%	25.04%	10.49%	0.40%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AUAU and BGLD in my portfolio?

AUAU and BGLD have a correlation of 0.69, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, AUAU or BGLD?

On fees, AUAU is cheaper at 0.35% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, AUAU or BGLD?

AUAU is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.91% for BGLD.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, AUAU or BGLD?

BGLD has the higher dividend yield at 44.90%, compared with 0.00% for AUAU.

What is the main difference between AUAU and BGLD?

AUAU is categorized as Gold, while BGLD is Defined Outcome. They also come from different issuers: Global X and FT Vest. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for AUAU and 0.91% for BGLD.