BTCO vs. GLD

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

BTCO (Invesco Galaxy Bitcoin ETF) and GLD (SPDR Gold Shares) are both exchange-traded funds - BTCO is a Cryptocurrency fund tracking the Lukka Prime Reference Bitcoin Rate, while GLD is a Gold fund tracking the LBMA Gold Price PM. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, BTCO returned -45.25% vs 20.30% for GLD. At a 0.15 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. BTCO charges 0.39%/yr vs 0.40%/yr for GLD.

Performance

BTCO vs. GLD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Invesco Galaxy Bitcoin ETF (BTCO) 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, BTCO achieves a -32.42% return, which is significantly lower than GLD's -6.77% return.

BTCO

• 1D: -1.07%
• 1M: -21.99%
• YTD: -32.42%
• 6M: -32.22%
• 1Y: -45.25%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

GLD

• 1D: 0.97%
• 1M: -10.76%
• YTD: -6.77%
• 6M: -10.31%
• 1Y: 20.30%
• 3Y*: 27.44%
• 5Y*: 17.27%
• 10Y*: 11.30%

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

BTCO vs. GLD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
BTCO Invesco Galaxy Bitcoin ETF	-32.42%	-6.58%	93.87%
GLD SPDR Gold Shares	-6.77%	63.68%	29.14%

Correlation

The correlation between BTCO and GLD is 0.25, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.25
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 11, 2024	0.15

Return for Risk

BTCO vs. GLD — Risk / Return Rank

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

BTCO

BTCO Risk / Return Rank: 2
BTCO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 1
BTCO Sortino Ratio Rank: 2
BTCO Omega Ratio Rank: 2
BTCO Calmar Ratio Rank: 2
BTCO Martin Ratio Rank: 1

GLD

GLD Risk / Return Rank: 22
GLD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 23
GLD Sortino Ratio Rank: 21
GLD Omega Ratio Rank: 25
GLD Calmar Ratio Rank: 19
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.

BTCO vs. GLD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Invesco Galaxy Bitcoin ETF (BTCO) 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.

	BTCO	GLD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-1.03	0.74	-1.76
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-1.54	1.08	-2.62
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.83	1.16	-0.33
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.86	0.78	-1.64
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.47	2.17	-3.64

BTCO vs. GLD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BTCO Sharpe Ratio is -1.03, which is lower than the GLD Sharpe Ratio of 0.74. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BTCO 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

BTCO vs. GLD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BTCO drawdown since its inception was -52.92%, which is greater than GLD's maximum drawdown of -45.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BTCO and GLD.

Drawdown Indicators

	BTCO	GLD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-52.92%	-45.56%	-7.36%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-52.92%	-26.21%	-26.71%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-26.21%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-26.21%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-26.21%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-52.92%	-25.50%	-27.42%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-16.85%	-16.17%	-0.68%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	30.91%	9.38%	+21.53%

Volatility

BTCO vs. GLD - Volatility Comparison

Invesco Galaxy Bitcoin ETF (BTCO) has a higher volatility of 13.25% compared to SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) at 8.70%. This indicates that BTCO's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than GLD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BTCO	GLD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	13.25%	8.70%	+4.55%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	34.52%	24.48%	+10.04%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	44.24%	27.71%	+16.53%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	49.74%	18.30%	+31.44%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	49.74%	16.07%	+33.67%

BTCO vs. GLD - Expense Ratio Comparison

BTCO has a 0.39% expense ratio, which is lower than GLD's 0.40% expense ratio.

Dividends

BTCO vs. GLD - Dividend Comparison

Neither BTCO nor GLD has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BTCO and GLD in my portfolio?

BTCO and GLD have a correlation of 0.25, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BTCO or GLD?

BTCO has higher volatility (13.25%) compared to GLD (8.70%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BTCO dropped -52.92% vs GLD's -45.56%.

Which ETF is better, BTCO or GLD?

On 1-year performance, GLD leads with 20.30% vs -45.25% for BTCO. On fees, BTCO is cheaper at 0.39% per year. On volatility, GLD has been the lower-risk option at 8.70%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BTCO or GLD?

Over the 1-year period, GLD has performed better with a 20.30% return vs -45.25%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BTCO or GLD?

BTCO is cheaper with a 0.39% expense ratio, compared with 0.40% for GLD.

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

BTCO and GLD have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between BTCO and GLD?

BTCO is categorized as Cryptocurrency, while GLD is Gold. BTCO tracks Lukka Prime Reference Bitcoin Rate, while GLD tracks LBMA Gold Price PM. They also come from different issuers: Invesco and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.39% for BTCO and 0.40% for GLD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GLD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.74 vs -1.03), 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.