DBO vs. GSG

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

DBO (Invesco DB Oil Fund) and GSG (iShares S&P GSCI Commodity-Indexed Trust) are both exchange-traded funds - DBO is a Oil & Gas fund tracking the DBIQ Optimum Yield Crude Oil Index Excess Return, while GSG is a Commodities fund tracking the S&P GSCI Total Return Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, DBO returned 11.37%/yr vs 7.69%/yr for GSG. Their correlation of 0.91 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DBO charges 0.78%/yr vs 0.75%/yr for GSG.

Performance

DBO vs. GSG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Invesco DB Oil Fund (DBO) and iShares S&P GSCI Commodity-Indexed Trust (GSG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DBO achieves a 84.75% return, which is significantly higher than GSG's 42.58% return. Over the past 10 years, DBO has outperformed GSG with an annualized return of 11.37%, while GSG has yielded a comparatively lower 7.69% annualized return.

DBO

• 1D: 2.27%
• 1M: -2.34%
• YTD: 84.75%
• 6M: 81.10%
• 1Y: 80.26%
• 3Y*: 21.86%
• 5Y*: 15.98%
• 10Y*: 11.37%

GSG

• 1D: 0.77%
• 1M: -4.83%
• YTD: 42.58%
• 6M: 41.06%
• 1Y: 51.52%
• 3Y*: 19.31%
• 5Y*: 15.74%
• 10Y*: 7.69%

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

DBO vs. GSG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DBO Invesco DB Oil Fund	84.75%	-11.71%	7.85%	-4.44%	13.04%	60.74%	-20.99%	28.05%	-15.22%	4.86%
GSG iShares S&P GSCI Commodity-Indexed Trust	42.58%	5.93%	8.52%	-5.51%	24.08%	38.77%	-23.94%	15.62%	-13.88%	3.89%

Correlation

The correlation between DBO and GSG is 0.91, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.91
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.92
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.93
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.92
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 8, 2007	0.91

The correlation between DBO and GSG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.91 to 0.93 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

DBO vs. GSG — Risk / Return Rank

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

DBO

DBO Risk / Return Rank: 65
DBO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 70
DBO Sortino Ratio Rank: 62
DBO Omega Ratio Rank: 60
DBO Calmar Ratio Rank: 83
DBO Martin Ratio Rank: 52

GSG

GSG Risk / Return Rank: 71
GSG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 67
GSG Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
GSG Omega Ratio Rank: 65
GSG Calmar Ratio Rank: 89
GSG Martin Ratio Rank: 75

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.

DBO vs. GSG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Invesco DB Oil Fund (DBO) and iShares S&P GSCI Commodity-Indexed Trust (GSG). 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.

	DBO	GSG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.34	2.26	+0.09
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.94	2.88	+0.06
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.38	1.40	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.44	5.47	-1.04
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.02	14.39	-5.37
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

DBO vs. GSG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DBO Sharpe Ratio is 2.34, which is comparable to the GSG Sharpe Ratio of 2.26. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DBO and GSG, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	DBO	GSG	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.34	2.26	+0.09
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.50	0.70	-0.20
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.36	0.35	+0.01
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.02	-0.09	+0.11

Drawdowns

DBO vs. GSG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DBO drawdown since its inception was -90.18%, roughly equal to the maximum GSG drawdown of -89.62%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DBO and GSG.

Drawdown Indicators

	DBO	GSG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-90.18%	-89.62%	-0.56%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-18.19%	-9.46%	-8.73%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-28.20%	-14.94%	-13.26%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-37.68%	-29.12%	-8.56%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-61.69%	-57.64%	-4.05%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-51.38%	-56.95%	+5.57%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-62.25%	-63.71%	+1.46%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	8.92%	3.59%	+5.33%

Volatility

DBO vs. GSG - Volatility Comparison

Invesco DB Oil Fund (DBO) has a higher volatility of 12.61% compared to iShares S&P GSCI Commodity-Indexed Trust (GSG) at 7.65%. This indicates that DBO's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than GSG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DBO	GSG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	12.61%	7.65%	+4.96%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	28.20%	20.42%	+7.78%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	34.46%	22.95%	+11.51%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	32.29%	22.61%	+9.68%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	31.78%	22.03%	+9.75%

DBO vs. GSG - Expense Ratio Comparison

DBO has a 0.78% expense ratio, which is higher than GSG's 0.75% expense ratio.

Dividends

DBO vs. GSG - Dividend Comparison

DBO's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.90%, while GSG has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
DBO Invesco DB Oil Fund	1.90%	3.51%	4.68%	4.59%	0.66%	0.00%	0.00%	1.63%	1.58%
GSG iShares S&P GSCI Commodity-Indexed Trust	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DBO and GSG in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, DBO and GSG move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, DBO or GSG?

DBO has higher volatility (12.61%) compared to GSG (7.65%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DBO dropped -90.18% vs GSG's -89.62%.

Which ETF is better, DBO or GSG?

On 10-year performance, DBO leads with 11.37% vs 7.69% for GSG. On fees, GSG is cheaper at 0.75% per year. On volatility, GSG has been the lower-risk option at 7.65%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DBO or GSG?

Over the 10-year period, DBO has performed better with a 11.37% return vs 7.69%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DBO or GSG?

GSG is cheaper with a 0.75% expense ratio, compared with 0.78% for DBO.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DBO or GSG?

DBO has the higher dividend yield at 1.90%, compared with 0.00% for GSG.

What is the main difference between DBO and GSG?

DBO is categorized as Oil & Gas, while GSG is Commodities. DBO tracks DBIQ Optimum Yield Crude Oil Index Excess Return, while GSG tracks S&P GSCI Total Return Index. They also come from different issuers: Invesco and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.78% for DBO and 0.75% for GSG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DBO currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.34 vs 2.26), 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.