BUG vs. GLD

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

BUG (Global X Cybersecurity ETF) and GLD (SPDR Gold Shares) are both exchange-traded funds - BUG is a Technology Equities fund tracking the Indxx Cybersecurity Index, while GLD is a Gold fund tracking the LBMA Gold Price PM. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, BUG returned 4.13%/yr vs 17.08%/yr for GLD. At a 0.12 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. BUG charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.40%/yr for GLD.

Performance

BUG vs. GLD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Global X Cybersecurity ETF (BUG) 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, BUG achieves a 11.98% return, which is significantly higher than GLD's -2.47% return.

BUG

• 1D: -0.12%
• 1M: 7.70%
• YTD: 11.98%
• 6M: 6.60%
• 1Y: -4.42%
• 3Y*: 11.66%
• 5Y*: 4.13%
• 10Y*: —

GLD

• 1D: 0.06%
• 1M: -7.37%
• YTD: -2.47%
• 6M: -2.25%
• 1Y: 22.21%
• 3Y*: 28.89%
• 5Y*: 17.08%
• 10Y*: 12.15%

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

BUG vs. GLD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
BUG Global X Cybersecurity ETF	11.98%	-5.04%	9.59%	41.40%	-33.63%	13.24%	70.83%	6.21%
GLD SPDR Gold Shares	-2.47%	63.68%	26.66%	12.69%	-0.77%	-4.15%	24.81%	1.33%

Correlation

The correlation between BUG and GLD 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	0.11
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.11
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 31, 2019	0.12

Return for Risk

BUG vs. GLD — Risk / Return Rank

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

BUG

BUG Risk / Return Rank: 8
BUG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 8
BUG Sortino Ratio Rank: 8
BUG Omega Ratio Rank: 8
BUG Calmar Ratio Rank: 8
BUG Martin Ratio Rank: 8

GLD

GLD Risk / Return Rank: 26
GLD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 27
GLD Sortino Ratio Rank: 25
GLD Omega Ratio Rank: 30
GLD Calmar Ratio Rank: 24
GLD Martin Ratio Rank: 24

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.

BUG vs. GLD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X Cybersecurity ETF (BUG) 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.

	BUG	GLD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.17	0.87	-1.05
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.03	1.24	-1.27
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.00	1.18	-0.19
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.14	0.98	-1.12
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.29	2.81	-3.10

BUG vs. GLD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BUG Sharpe Ratio is -0.17, which is lower than the GLD Sharpe Ratio of 0.87. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BUG 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

BUG vs. GLD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BUG drawdown since its inception was -41.66%, smaller than the maximum GLD drawdown of -45.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BUG and GLD.

Drawdown Indicators

	BUG	GLD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-41.66%	-45.56%	+3.90%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-37.69%	-24.46%	-13.23%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-37.69%	-24.46%	-13.23%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-41.66%	-24.46%	-17.20%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-24.46%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-11.52%	-22.05%	+10.53%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-14.39%	-16.16%	+1.77%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	18.44%	8.49%	+9.95%

Volatility

BUG vs. GLD - Volatility Comparison

Global X Cybersecurity ETF (BUG) has a higher volatility of 14.21% compared to SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) at 7.79%. This indicates that BUG'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

	BUG	GLD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	14.21%	7.79%	+6.42%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	26.24%	24.10%	+2.14%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	31.11%	27.37%	+3.74%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	28.51%	18.22%	+10.29%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	29.32%	16.08%	+13.24%

BUG vs. GLD - Expense Ratio Comparison

BUG has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is higher than GLD's 0.40% expense ratio.

Dividends

BUG vs. GLD - Dividend Comparison

BUG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.03%, while GLD has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
BUG Global X Cybersecurity ETF	0.03%	0.04%	0.09%	0.10%	1.56%	0.66%	0.46%	0.24%
GLD SPDR Gold Shares	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BUG and GLD in my portfolio?

BUG and GLD 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.

Which is riskier, BUG or GLD?

BUG has higher volatility (14.21%) compared to GLD (7.79%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BUG dropped -41.66% vs GLD's -45.56%.

Which ETF is better, BUG or GLD?

On 5-year performance, GLD leads with 17.08% vs 4.13% for BUG. On fees, GLD is cheaper at 0.40% per year. On volatility, GLD has been the lower-risk option at 7.79%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BUG or GLD?

Over the 5-year period, GLD has performed better with a 17.08% return vs 4.13%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BUG or GLD?

GLD is cheaper with a 0.40% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for BUG.

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

BUG has the higher dividend yield at 0.03%, compared with 0.00% for GLD.

What is the main difference between BUG and GLD?

BUG is categorized as Technology Equities, while GLD is Gold. BUG tracks Indxx Cybersecurity Index, while GLD tracks LBMA Gold Price PM. They also come from different issuers: Global X and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for BUG and 0.40% for GLD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GLD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.87 vs -0.17), 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.