AUAU vs. GLD

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

AUAU (Global X Gold Miners ETF) and GLD (SPDR Gold Shares) are both Gold funds - AUAU tracks the NYSE Arca Gold Miners Index while GLD tracks the LBMA Gold Price PM. Both are passively managed. Their correlation of 0.84 suggests significant overlap in exposure. AUAU charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.40%/yr for GLD.

Performance

AUAU vs. GLD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Global X Gold Miners ETF (AUAU) and SPDR Gold Shares (GLD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, AUAU achieves a -11.09% return, which is significantly lower than GLD's -6.77% return.

AUAU

• 1D: 1.41%
• 1M: -14.50%
• YTD: -11.09%
• 6M: -14.39%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

GLD

• 1D: 0.97%
• 1M: -10.76%
• YTD: -6.77%
• 6M: -10.31%
• 1Y: 20.30%
• 3Y*: 27.44%
• 5Y*: 17.27%
• 10Y*: 11.30%

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

AUAU vs. GLD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
AUAU Global X Gold Miners ETF	-11.09%	4.18%
GLD SPDR Gold Shares	-6.77%	2.30%

Correlation

The correlation between AUAU and GLD is 0.84, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 10, 2025	0.84

Return for Risk

AUAU vs. GLD — Risk / Return Rank

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

AUAU

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

GLD

GLD Risk / Return Rank: 22
GLD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 23
GLD Sortino Ratio Rank: 21
GLD Omega Ratio Rank: 25
GLD Calmar Ratio Rank: 19
GLD Martin Ratio Rank: 20

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. GLD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X Gold Miners ETF (AUAU) and SPDR Gold Shares (GLD). 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.

	AUAU	GLD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	0.74	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	1.08	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.16	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	0.78	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	2.17	—

Drawdowns

AUAU vs. GLD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AUAU drawdown since its inception was -35.86%, smaller than the maximum GLD drawdown of -45.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AUAU and GLD.

Drawdown Indicators

	AUAU	GLD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-35.86%	-45.56%	+9.70%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-26.21%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-26.21%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-26.21%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-26.21%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-34.32%	-25.50%	-8.82%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-14.51%	-16.17%	+1.66%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	9.38%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	AUAU	GLD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	8.70%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	24.48%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	52.21%	27.71%	+24.50%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	52.21%	18.30%	+33.91%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	52.21%	16.07%	+36.14%

AUAU vs. GLD - Expense Ratio Comparison

AUAU has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is lower than GLD's 0.40% expense ratio.

Dividends

AUAU vs. GLD - Dividend Comparison

Neither AUAU nor GLD has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AUAU and GLD in my portfolio?

AUAU and GLD have a correlation of 0.84, 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 GLD?

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 GLD?

AUAU is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.40% for GLD.

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

AUAU and GLD have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between AUAU and GLD?

AUAU tracks NYSE Arca Gold Miners Index, while GLD tracks LBMA Gold Price PM. They also come from different issuers: Global X and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for AUAU and 0.40% for GLD.