CTEC vs. GDX

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

CTEC (Global X CleanTech ETF) and GDX (VanEck Gold Miners ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - CTEC is a Alternative Energy Equities fund tracking the Indxx Global CleanTech Index, while GDX is a Gold fund tracking the NYSE MarketVector Global Gold Miners Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, CTEC returned -6.60%/yr vs 17.51%/yr for GDX. At a 0.31 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. CTEC charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.51%/yr for GDX.

Performance

CTEC vs. GDX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Global X CleanTech ETF (CTEC) and VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, CTEC achieves a 25.04% return, which is significantly higher than GDX's -6.69% return.

CTEC

• 1D: 0.23%
• 1M: -7.57%
• YTD: 25.04%
• 6M: 20.35%
• 1Y: 89.69%
• 3Y*: -3.29%
• 5Y*: -6.60%
• 10Y*: —

GDX

• 1D: 2.97%
• 1M: -8.38%
• YTD: -6.69%
• 6M: -5.89%
• 1Y: 48.02%
• 3Y*: 38.96%
• 5Y*: 17.51%
• 10Y*: 13.29%

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

CTEC vs. GDX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
CTEC Global X CleanTech ETF	25.04%	57.85%	-36.35%	-25.60%	-16.82%	-22.19%	44.74%
GDX VanEck Gold Miners ETF	-6.69%	154.77%	10.63%	9.98%	-9.01%	-9.52%	-0.85%

Correlation

The correlation between CTEC and GDX is 0.41, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.41
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.38
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.33
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 29, 2020	0.31

Return for Risk

CTEC vs. GDX — Risk / Return Rank

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

CTEC

CTEC Risk / Return Rank: 80
CTEC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 86
CTEC Sortino Ratio Rank: 75
CTEC Omega Ratio Rank: 73
CTEC Calmar Ratio Rank: 89
CTEC Martin Ratio Rank: 76

GDX

GDX Risk / Return Rank: 33
GDX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 34
GDX Sortino Ratio Rank: 31
GDX Omega Ratio Rank: 36
GDX Calmar Ratio Rank: 32
GDX Martin Ratio Rank: 30

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.

CTEC vs. GDX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X CleanTech ETF (CTEC) and VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX). 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.

	CTEC	GDX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.44	1.09	+1.36
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.91	1.51	+1.40
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	1.21	+0.16
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.65	1.40	+3.25
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.56	3.87	+8.69

CTEC vs. GDX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CTEC Sharpe Ratio is 2.44, which is higher than the GDX Sharpe Ratio of 1.09. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CTEC and GDX, 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

CTEC vs. GDX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CTEC drawdown since its inception was -81.58%, roughly equal to the maximum GDX drawdown of -80.34%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CTEC and GDX.

Drawdown Indicators

	CTEC	GDX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-81.58%	-80.34%	-1.24%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-19.39%	-36.28%	+16.89%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-65.77%	-36.28%	-29.49%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-76.46%	-46.51%	-29.95%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-49.79%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-52.57%	-30.91%	-21.66%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-52.35%	-40.41%	-11.94%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	7.16%	13.11%	-5.95%

Volatility

CTEC vs. GDX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Global X CleanTech ETF (CTEC) is 15.44%, while VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX) has a volatility of 17.20%. This indicates that CTEC experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than GDX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	CTEC	GDX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	15.44%	17.20%	-1.76%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	26.72%	39.15%	-12.43%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	36.93%	46.89%	-9.96%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	36.77%	36.74%	+0.03%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	38.02%	37.34%	+0.68%

CTEC vs. GDX - Expense Ratio Comparison

CTEC has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is lower than GDX's 0.51% expense ratio.

Dividends

CTEC vs. GDX - Dividend Comparison

CTEC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.60%, less than GDX's 0.79% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
CTEC Global X CleanTech ETF	0.60%	0.75%	1.56%	0.51%	0.25%	0.39%	0.02%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
GDX VanEck Gold Miners ETF	0.79%	0.74%	1.19%	1.61%	1.66%	1.67%	0.53%	0.67%	0.50%	0.76%	0.26%	0.85%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both CTEC and GDX in my portfolio?

CTEC and GDX have a correlation of 0.41, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, CTEC or GDX?

GDX has higher volatility (17.20%) compared to CTEC (15.44%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CTEC dropped -81.58% vs GDX's -80.34%.

Which ETF is better, CTEC or GDX?

On 5-year performance, GDX leads with 17.51% vs -6.60% for CTEC. On fees, CTEC is cheaper at 0.50% per year. On volatility, CTEC has been the lower-risk option at 15.44%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, CTEC or GDX?

Over the 5-year period, GDX has performed better with a 17.51% return vs -6.60%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, CTEC or GDX?

CTEC is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.51% for GDX.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, CTEC or GDX?

GDX has the higher dividend yield at 0.79%, compared with 0.60% for CTEC.

What is the main difference between CTEC and GDX?

CTEC is categorized as Alternative Energy Equities, while GDX is Gold. CTEC tracks Indxx Global CleanTech Index, while GDX tracks NYSE MarketVector Global Gold Miners Index. They also come from different issuers: Global X and VanEck. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for CTEC and 0.51% for GDX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

CTEC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.44 vs 1.09), 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.