BGLD vs. GLTR

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

BGLD (FT Vest Gold Strategy Quarterly Buffer ETF) and GLTR (abrdn Physical Precious Metals Basket Shares ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - BGLD is a Defined Outcome fund actively managed by FT Vest, while GLTR is a Precious Metals fund tracking the ETFS Physical Precious Metals Basket Index. BGLD is actively managed, while GLTR is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, BGLD returned 10.64%/yr vs 14.04%/yr for GLTR. A 0.75 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. BGLD charges 0.91%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for GLTR.

Performance

BGLD vs. GLTR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in FT Vest Gold Strategy Quarterly Buffer ETF (BGLD) and abrdn Physical Precious Metals Basket Shares ETF (GLTR). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BGLD achieves a -2.58% return, which is significantly higher than GLTR's -4.66% return.

BGLD

• 1D: -0.02%
• 1M: -3.90%
• YTD: -2.58%
• 6M: -3.54%
• 1Y: 8.12%
• 3Y*: 18.31%
• 5Y*: 10.64%
• 10Y*: —

GLTR

• 1D: 0.30%
• 1M: -13.34%
• YTD: -4.66%
• 6M: 0.76%
• 1Y: 38.86%
• 3Y*: 29.97%
• 5Y*: 14.04%
• 10Y*: 12.08%

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

BGLD vs. GLTR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
BGLD FT Vest Gold Strategy Quarterly Buffer ETF	-2.58%	33.03%	21.80%	13.24%	-2.42%	-5.53%
GLTR abrdn Physical Precious Metals Basket Shares ETF	-4.66%	87.25%	20.63%	2.01%	-0.25%	-7.89%

Correlation

The correlation between BGLD and GLTR is 0.66, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.66
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.71
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.75
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 21, 2021	0.75

The correlation between BGLD and GLTR has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.66 to 0.75 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

BGLD vs. GLTR — Risk / Return Rank

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

BGLD

BGLD Risk / Return Rank: 22
BGLD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 24
BGLD Sortino Ratio Rank: 21
BGLD Omega Ratio Rank: 24
BGLD Calmar Ratio Rank: 20
BGLD Martin Ratio Rank: 22

GLTR

GLTR Risk / Return Rank: 30
GLTR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 33
GLTR Sortino Ratio Rank: 29
GLTR Omega Ratio Rank: 38
GLTR Calmar Ratio Rank: 27
GLTR 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.

BGLD vs. GLTR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for FT Vest Gold Strategy Quarterly Buffer ETF (BGLD) and abrdn Physical Precious Metals Basket Shares ETF (GLTR). 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.

	BGLD	GLTR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.73	1.04	-0.31
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.04	1.39	-0.35
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.15	1.22	-0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.79	1.17	-0.38
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.37	2.88	-0.51

BGLD vs. GLTR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BGLD Sharpe Ratio is 0.73, which is comparable to the GLTR Sharpe Ratio of 1.04. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BGLD and GLTR, 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

BGLD vs. GLTR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BGLD drawdown since its inception was -16.19%, smaller than the maximum GLTR drawdown of -55.70%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BGLD and GLTR.

Drawdown Indicators

	BGLD	GLTR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-16.19%	-55.70%	+39.51%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.42%	-34.09%	+22.67%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-11.42%	-34.09%	+22.67%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-15.42%	-34.09%	+18.67%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-34.09%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-9.90%	-31.27%	+21.37%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.67%	-28.82%	+25.15%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.82%	13.86%	-10.04%

Volatility

BGLD vs. GLTR - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for FT Vest Gold Strategy Quarterly Buffer ETF (BGLD) is 4.02%, while abrdn Physical Precious Metals Basket Shares ETF (GLTR) has a volatility of 10.43%. This indicates that BGLD experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than GLTR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BGLD	GLTR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.02%	10.43%	-6.41%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.61%	36.24%	-25.63%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.42%	38.40%	-25.98%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	10.09%	23.87%	-13.78%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	9.99%	20.64%	-10.65%

BGLD vs. GLTR - Expense Ratio Comparison

BGLD has a 0.91% expense ratio, which is higher than GLTR's 0.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

BGLD vs. GLTR - Dividend Comparison

BGLD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 45.50%, while GLTR has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
BGLD FT Vest Gold Strategy Quarterly Buffer ETF	45.50%	44.32%	25.04%	10.49%	0.40%
GLTR abrdn Physical Precious Metals Basket Shares ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BGLD and GLTR in my portfolio?

BGLD and GLTR have a correlation of 0.66, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BGLD or GLTR?

GLTR has higher volatility (10.43%) compared to BGLD (4.02%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BGLD dropped -16.19% vs GLTR's -55.70%.

Which ETF is better, BGLD or GLTR?

On 5-year performance, GLTR leads with 14.04% vs 10.64% for BGLD. On fees, GLTR is cheaper at 0.60% per year. On volatility, BGLD has been the lower-risk option at 4.02%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BGLD or GLTR?

Over the 5-year period, GLTR has performed better with a 14.04% return vs 10.64%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BGLD or GLTR?

GLTR is cheaper with a 0.60% expense ratio, compared with 0.91% for BGLD.

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

BGLD has the higher dividend yield at 45.50%, compared with 0.00% for GLTR.

What is the main difference between BGLD and GLTR?

BGLD is categorized as Defined Outcome, while GLTR is Precious Metals. They also come from different issuers: FT Vest and abrdn. Their fees differ too: 0.91% for BGLD and 0.60% for GLTR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GLTR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.04 vs 0.73), 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.