BKLC vs. GLD

Last updated Jun 9, 2026

BKLC (BNY Mellon US Large Cap Core Equity ETF) and GLD (SPDR Gold Shares) are both exchange-traded funds - BKLC is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the Morningstar US Large Cap Index, while GLD is a Gold fund tracking the LBMA Gold Price PM. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, BKLC returned 13.91%/yr vs 17.55%/yr for GLD. At a 0.13 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. BKLC charges 0.00%/yr vs 0.40%/yr for GLD.

Performance

BKLC vs. GLD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in BNY Mellon US Large Cap Core Equity ETF (BKLC) 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, BKLC achieves a 8.75% return, which is significantly higher than GLD's 0.24% return.

BKLC

• 1D: 0.37%
• 1M: 0.47%
• YTD: 8.75%
• 6M: 8.75%
• 1Y: 24.83%
• 3Y*: 22.35%
• 5Y*: 13.91%
• 10Y*: —

GLD

• 1D: 0.26%
• 1M: -8.41%
• YTD: 0.24%
• 6M: 3.07%
• 1Y: 30.18%
• 3Y*: 29.71%
• 5Y*: 17.55%
• 10Y*: 12.56%

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

BKLC vs. GLD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
BKLC BNY Mellon US Large Cap Core Equity ETF	8.75%	18.06%	25.56%	30.88%	-20.52%	27.41%	37.31%
GLD SPDR Gold Shares	0.24%	63.68%	26.66%	12.69%	-0.77%	-4.15%	15.33%

Correlation

The correlation between BKLC and GLD is 0.22, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.22
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.15
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.12
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 9, 2020	0.13

The correlation between BKLC and GLD shifts across timeframes, from 0.12 (5 years) to 0.22 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

BKLC vs. GLD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	BKLC	GLD
Technology	38.2%	-
Communication Services	10.8%	-
Financial Services	10.7%	-
Consumer Cyclical	10.0%	-
Healthcare	8.4%	-
Industrials	7.8%	-
Consumer Defensive	4.4%	-
Energy	3.2%	-
Utilities	2.5%	-
Real Estate	1.6%	-
Basic Materials	1.6%	100.0%

Return for Risk

BKLC vs. GLD — Risk / Return Rank

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

BKLC

BKLC Risk / Return Rank: 67
BKLC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 68
BKLC Sortino Ratio Rank: 65
BKLC Omega Ratio Rank: 68
BKLC Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
BKLC Martin Ratio Rank: 73

GLD

GLD Risk / Return Rank: 33
GLD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 34
GLD Sortino Ratio Rank: 31
GLD Omega Ratio Rank: 38
GLD Calmar Ratio Rank: 34
GLD Martin Ratio Rank: 29

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.

BKLC vs. GLD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for BNY Mellon US Large Cap Core Equity ETF (BKLC) 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.

	BKLC	GLD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.01	1.13	+0.88
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.69	1.51	+1.18
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	1.23	+0.14
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.74	1.51	+1.23
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.42	3.78	+8.64
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

BKLC vs. GLD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BKLC Sharpe Ratio is 2.01, which is higher than the GLD Sharpe Ratio of 1.13. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BKLC and GLD, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	BKLC	GLD	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.01	1.13	+0.88
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.81	0.98	-0.16
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.79	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.10	0.59	+0.51

Drawdowns

BKLC vs. GLD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BKLC drawdown since its inception was -26.14%, smaller than the maximum GLD drawdown of -45.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BKLC and GLD.

Drawdown Indicators

	BKLC	GLD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-26.14%	-45.56%	+19.42%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.10%	-20.10%	+11.00%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.05%	-20.10%	+1.05%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-26.14%	-21.03%	-5.11%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-22.00%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.69%	-19.89%	+17.20%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.26%	-16.16%	+10.90%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.00%	8.01%	-6.01%

Volatility

BKLC vs. GLD - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for BNY Mellon US Large Cap Core Equity ETF (BKLC) is 3.98%, while SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) has a volatility of 5.68%. This indicates that BKLC experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than GLD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BKLC	GLD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.98%	5.68%	-1.70%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.58%	23.47%	-13.89%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.42%	26.87%	-14.45%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.21%	18.07%	-0.86%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.47%	15.99%	+1.48%

BKLC vs. GLD - Expense Ratio Comparison

BKLC has a 0.00% expense ratio, which is lower than GLD's 0.40% expense ratio.

Dividends

BKLC vs. GLD - Dividend Comparison

BKLC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.03%, while GLD has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
BKLC BNY Mellon US Large Cap Core Equity ETF	1.03%	1.05%	1.22%	1.35%	1.64%	1.10%	0.84%
GLD SPDR Gold Shares	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BKLC and GLD in my portfolio?

BKLC and GLD have a correlation of 0.22, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BKLC or GLD?

GLD has higher volatility (5.68%) compared to BKLC (3.98%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BKLC dropped -26.14% vs GLD's -45.56%.

Which ETF is better, BKLC or GLD?

On 5-year performance, GLD leads with 17.55% vs 13.91% for BKLC. On fees, BKLC is cheaper at 0.00% per year. On volatility, BKLC has been the lower-risk option at 3.98%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BKLC or GLD?

Over the 5-year period, GLD has performed better with a 17.55% return vs 13.91%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BKLC or GLD?

BKLC is cheaper with a 0.00% expense ratio, compared with 0.40% for GLD.

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

BKLC has the higher dividend yield at 1.03%, compared with 0.00% for GLD.

What is the main difference between BKLC and GLD?

BKLC is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while GLD is Gold. BKLC tracks Morningstar US Large Cap Index, while GLD tracks LBMA Gold Price PM. They also come from different issuers: BNY Mellon and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.00% for BKLC and 0.40% for GLD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BKLC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.01 vs 1.13), 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.