AUAU vs. GLDY

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

AUAU (Global X Gold Miners ETF) and GLDY (Defiance Gold Enhanced Options Income ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - AUAU is a Gold fund tracking the NYSE Arca Gold Miners Index, while GLDY is a Derivative Income fund actively managed by Defiance. AUAU is passively managed, while GLDY is actively managed. A 0.77 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. AUAU charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.99%/yr for GLDY.

Performance

AUAU vs. GLDY - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Global X Gold Miners ETF (AUAU) and Defiance Gold Enhanced Options Income ETF (GLDY). 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 GLDY's -5.06% return.

AUAU

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

GLDY

• 1D: -3.20%
• 1M: -6.81%
• YTD: -5.06%
• 6M: -3.13%
• 1Y: 10.32%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

AUAU vs. GLDY - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
AUAU Global X Gold Miners ETF	-6.86%	4.18%
GLDY Defiance Gold Enhanced Options Income ETF	-5.06%	1.11%

Correlation

The correlation between AUAU and GLDY is 0.77, 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	0.77

Return for Risk

AUAU vs. GLDY — Risk / Return Rank

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

GLDY

GLDY Risk / Return Rank: 18
GLDY Sharpe Ratio Rank: 18
GLDY Sortino Ratio Rank: 16
GLDY Omega Ratio Rank: 20
GLDY Calmar Ratio Rank: 18
GLDY Martin Ratio Rank: 18

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. GLDY - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X Gold Miners ETF (AUAU) and Defiance Gold Enhanced Options Income ETF (GLDY). 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	GLDY	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	0.52	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	-0.12	0.41	-0.53

Drawdowns

AUAU vs. GLDY - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AUAU drawdown since its inception was -31.20%, which is greater than GLDY's maximum drawdown of -15.57%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AUAU and GLDY.

Drawdown Indicators

	AUAU	GLDY	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-31.20%	-15.57%	-15.63%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-15.57%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-31.20%	-15.57%	-15.63%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.89%	-3.98%	-8.91%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	5.75%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	AUAU	GLDY	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	4.94%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	18.56%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	51.93%	20.12%	+31.81%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	51.93%	19.75%	+32.18%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	51.93%	19.75%	+32.18%

AUAU vs. GLDY - Expense Ratio Comparison

AUAU has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is lower than GLDY's 0.99% expense ratio.

Dividends

AUAU vs. GLDY - Dividend Comparison

AUAU has not paid dividends to shareholders, while GLDY's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 48.65%.

Position	TTM	2025
AUAU Global X Gold Miners ETF	0.00%	0.00%
GLDY Defiance Gold Enhanced Options Income ETF	48.65%	37.38%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AUAU and GLDY in my portfolio?

AUAU and GLDY have a correlation of 0.77, 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 GLDY?

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 GLDY?

AUAU is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.99% for GLDY.

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

GLDY has the higher dividend yield at 48.65%, compared with 0.00% for AUAU.

What is the main difference between AUAU and GLDY?

AUAU is categorized as Gold, while GLDY is Derivative Income. They also come from different issuers: Global X and Defiance. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for AUAU and 0.99% for GLDY.