BRK-B vs. SGOL
BRK-B (Berkshire Hathaway Inc.) is a stock, while SGOL (abrdn Physical Gold Shares ETF) is Gold fund tracking the LBMA Gold Price PM ($/ozt). Over the past 10 years, BRK-B returned 13.22%/yr vs 12.34%/yr for SGOL. At a correlation of -0.02, they often move in opposite directions.
Performance
BRK-B vs. SGOL - Performance Comparison
Loading charts...
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, BRK-B achieves a -2.67% return, which is significantly lower than SGOL's -2.39% return. Over the past 10 years, BRK-B has outperformed SGOL with an annualized return of 13.22%, while SGOL has yielded a comparatively lower 12.34% annualized return.
BRK-B
- 1D
- 0.71%
- 1M
- 1.36%
- YTD
- -2.67%
- 6M
- -2.06%
- 1Y
- 0.35%
- 3Y*
- 13.30%
- 5Y*
- 11.27%
- 10Y*
- 13.22%
SGOL
- 1D
- 0.10%
- 1M
- -7.35%
- YTD
- -2.39%
- 6M
- -2.15%
- 1Y
- 22.44%
- 3Y*
- 29.18%
- 5Y*
- 17.34%
- 10Y*
- 12.34%
BRK-B vs. SGOL - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
BRK-B Berkshire Hathaway Inc. | -2.67% | 10.89% | 27.09% | 15.46% | 3.31% | 28.95% | 2.37% | 10.93% | 3.01% | 21.62% |
SGOL abrdn Physical Gold Shares ETF | -2.39% | 63.99% | 26.90% | 12.99% | -0.51% | -3.94% | 25.03% | 18.21% | -1.94% | 12.86% |
Correlation
The correlation between BRK-B and SGOL is -0.03, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | -0.03 |
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period | 0.01 |
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.04 |
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | -0.04 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 9, 2009 | -0.02 |
Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs
Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.
Return for Risk
BRK-B vs. SGOL — Risk / Return Rank
BRK-B
SGOL
BRK-B vs. SGOL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (BRK-B) and abrdn Physical Gold Shares ETF (SGOL). 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.
| BRK-B | SGOL | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | -0.91 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | -1.18 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.01 | 1.19 | -0.18 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | -0.02 | 0.99 | -1.02 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | -0.05 | 2.85 | -2.90 |
Loading charts...
Drawdowns
BRK-B vs. SGOL - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum BRK-B drawdown since its inception was -53.86%, which is greater than SGOL's maximum drawdown of -45.51%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BRK-B and SGOL.
Loading charts...
Drawdown Indicators
| BRK-B | SGOL | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -53.86% | -45.51% | -8.35% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -9.42% | -24.37% | +14.95% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -14.95% | -24.37% | +9.42% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -26.58% | -24.37% | -2.21% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -29.57% | -24.37% | -5.20% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -9.36% | -22.00% | +12.64% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -11.07% | -18.41% | +7.34% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 4.53% | 8.46% | -3.93% |
Volatility
BRK-B vs. SGOL - Volatility Comparison
The current volatility for Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (BRK-B) is 3.95%, while abrdn Physical Gold Shares ETF (SGOL) has a volatility of 7.69%. This indicates that BRK-B experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SGOL based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
Loading charts...
Volatility by Period
| BRK-B | SGOL | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 3.95% | 7.69% | -3.74% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 10.78% | 23.85% | -13.07% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 14.38% | 27.08% | -12.70% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 17.12% | 18.10% | -0.98% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 19.44% | 16.04% | +3.40% |
Dividends
BRK-B vs. SGOL - Dividend Comparison
Neither BRK-B nor SGOL has paid dividends to shareholders.
Frequently Asked Questions
BRK-B and SGOL have a correlation of -0.03, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
SGOL has higher volatility (7.69%) compared to BRK-B (3.95%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BRK-B dropped -53.86% vs SGOL's -45.51%.
SGOL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.89 vs -0.02), 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.
Find the right allocation for BRK-B and SGOL
Add both to a portfolio and optimize allocations for your target — whether that's maximizing returns, minimizing drawdowns, or balancing risk across holdings.
Open Portfolio Optimizer