BRAZ vs. GLD

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

BRAZ (Global X Brazil Active ETF) and GLD (SPDR Gold Shares) are both exchange-traded funds - BRAZ is a Latin America Equities fund tracking the Solactive Brazil Mid Cap Index, while GLD is a Gold fund tracking the LBMA Gold Price PM. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, BRAZ returned 27.27% vs 21.29% for GLD. At a 0.27 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. BRAZ charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.40%/yr for GLD.

Performance

BRAZ vs. GLD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Global X Brazil Active ETF (BRAZ) 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, BRAZ achieves a 6.90% return, which is significantly higher than GLD's -4.79% return.

BRAZ

• 1D: -0.63%
• 1M: -5.05%
• YTD: 6.90%
• 6M: 7.88%
• 1Y: 27.27%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

GLD

• 1D: -1.89%
• 1M: -8.82%
• YTD: -4.79%
• 6M: -8.78%
• 1Y: 21.29%
• 3Y*: 28.41%
• 5Y*: 17.84%
• 10Y*: 11.59%

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

BRAZ vs. GLD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
BRAZ Global X Brazil Active ETF	6.90%	45.42%	-29.74%	17.80%
GLD SPDR Gold Shares	-4.79%	63.68%	26.66%	9.05%

Correlation

The correlation between BRAZ and GLD is 0.39, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.39
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 18, 2023	0.27

The correlation between BRAZ and GLD shifts across timeframes, from 0.27 (all time) to 0.39 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

BRAZ vs. GLD — Risk / Return Rank

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

BRAZ

BRAZ Risk / Return Rank: 31
BRAZ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 33
BRAZ Sortino Ratio Rank: 31
BRAZ Omega Ratio Rank: 31
BRAZ Calmar Ratio Rank: 29
BRAZ Martin Ratio Rank: 31

GLD

GLD Risk / Return Rank: 22
GLD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 23
GLD Sortino Ratio Rank: 21
GLD Omega Ratio Rank: 24
GLD Calmar Ratio Rank: 20
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.

BRAZ vs. GLD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X Brazil Active ETF (BRAZ) 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.

	BRAZ	GLD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.12	0.78	+0.35
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.59	1.13	+0.46
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.20	1.17	+0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.39	0.87	+0.52
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.16	2.35	+1.82

BRAZ vs. GLD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BRAZ Sharpe Ratio is 1.12, which is higher than the GLD Sharpe Ratio of 0.78. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BRAZ 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.

Drawdowns

BRAZ vs. GLD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BRAZ drawdown since its inception was -31.02%, smaller than the maximum GLD drawdown of -45.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BRAZ and GLD.

Drawdown Indicators

	BRAZ	GLD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-31.02%	-45.56%	+14.54%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-19.65%	-24.46%	+4.81%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-24.46%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-24.46%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-24.46%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-17.70%	-23.91%	+6.21%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.35%	-16.17%	+4.82%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.56%	9.10%	-2.54%

Volatility

BRAZ vs. GLD - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Global X Brazil Active ETF (BRAZ) is 5.48%, while SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) has a volatility of 8.18%. This indicates that BRAZ 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

	BRAZ	GLD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.48%	8.18%	-2.70%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	19.05%	24.38%	-5.33%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	24.36%	27.57%	-3.21%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	23.52%	18.24%	+5.28%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.52%	16.04%	+7.48%

BRAZ vs. GLD - Expense Ratio Comparison

BRAZ has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is higher than GLD's 0.40% expense ratio.

Dividends

BRAZ vs. GLD - Dividend Comparison

BRAZ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.19%, while GLD has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
BRAZ Global X Brazil Active ETF	3.19%	3.41%	4.16%	1.88%
GLD SPDR Gold Shares	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BRAZ and GLD in my portfolio?

BRAZ and GLD have a correlation of 0.39, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BRAZ or GLD?

GLD has higher volatility (8.18%) compared to BRAZ (5.48%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BRAZ dropped -31.02% vs GLD's -45.56%.

Which ETF is better, BRAZ or GLD?

On 1-year performance, BRAZ leads with 27.27% vs 21.29% for GLD. On fees, GLD is cheaper at 0.40% per year. On volatility, BRAZ has been the lower-risk option at 5.48%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BRAZ or GLD?

Over the 1-year period, BRAZ has performed better with a 27.27% return vs 21.29%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BRAZ or GLD?

GLD is cheaper with a 0.40% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for BRAZ.

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

BRAZ has the higher dividend yield at 3.19%, compared with 0.00% for GLD.

What is the main difference between BRAZ and GLD?

BRAZ is categorized as Latin America Equities, while GLD is Gold. BRAZ tracks Solactive Brazil Mid Cap Index, while GLD tracks LBMA Gold Price PM. They also come from different issuers: Global X and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for BRAZ and 0.40% for GLD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BRAZ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.12 vs 0.78), 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.