DRD vs. GDXJ

Last updated Jun 10, 2026

DRD (DRDGOLD Limited) is a stock, while GDXJ (VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF) is Gold fund tracking the MVIS Global Junior Gold Miners Index. Over the past 10 years, DRD returned 20.74%/yr vs 12.00%/yr for GDXJ. A 0.67 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined.

Performance

DRD vs. GDXJ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in DRDGOLD Limited (DRD) and VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF (GDXJ). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DRD achieves a -23.58% return, which is significantly lower than GDXJ's -8.37% return. Over the past 10 years, DRD has outperformed GDXJ with an annualized return of 20.74%, while GDXJ has yielded a comparatively lower 12.00% annualized return.

DRD

• 1D: 2.27%
• 1M: -20.60%
• YTD: -23.58%
• 6M: -24.53%
• 1Y: 67.15%
• 3Y*: 29.82%
• 5Y*: 17.87%
• 10Y*: 20.74%

GDXJ

• 1D: 3.15%
• 1M: -19.14%
• YTD: -8.37%
• 6M: -6.68%
• 1Y: 51.06%
• 3Y*: 44.17%
• 5Y*: 16.23%
• 10Y*: 12.00%

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

DRD vs. GDXJ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DRD DRDGOLD Limited	-23.58%	267.16%	11.55%	13.26%	-7.63%	-23.16%	141.46%	153.56%	-35.27%	-37.77%
GDXJ VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF	-8.37%	172.28%	15.67%	7.12%	-14.53%	-21.25%	30.40%	40.44%	-11.02%	8.22%

Correlation

The correlation between DRD and GDXJ is 0.84, 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	0.84
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.81
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.82
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.72
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 11, 2009	0.67

The correlation between DRD and GDXJ shifts across timeframes, from 0.67 (all time) to 0.84 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

DRD vs. GDXJ — Risk / Return Rank

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

DRD

DRD Risk / Return Rank: 73
DRD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 77
DRD Sortino Ratio Rank: 71
DRD Omega Ratio Rank: 71
DRD Calmar Ratio Rank: 73
DRD Martin Ratio Rank: 74

GDXJ

GDXJ Risk / Return Rank: 31
GDXJ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 31
GDXJ Sortino Ratio Rank: 30
GDXJ Omega Ratio Rank: 33
GDXJ Calmar Ratio Rank: 30
GDXJ Martin Ratio Rank: 28

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.

DRD vs. GDXJ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for DRDGOLD Limited (DRD) and VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF (GDXJ). 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.

	DRD	GDXJ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.16	1.00	+0.17
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.69	1.45	+0.24
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.21	1.20	+0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.55	1.30	+0.25
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.06	3.55	+0.51

DRD vs. GDXJ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DRD Sharpe Ratio is 1.16, which is comparable to the GDXJ Sharpe Ratio of 1.00. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DRD and GDXJ, 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

DRD vs. GDXJ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DRD drawdown since its inception was -98.44%, which is greater than GDXJ's maximum drawdown of -88.66%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DRD and GDXJ.

Drawdown Indicators

	DRD	GDXJ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-98.44%	-88.66%	-9.78%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-43.51%	-39.47%	-4.04%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-45.13%	-39.47%	-5.66%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-57.22%	-49.76%	-7.46%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-80.31%	-57.77%	-22.54%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-48.48%	-33.25%	-15.23%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-81.86%	-60.45%	-21.41%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	16.59%	14.41%	+2.18%

Volatility

DRD vs. GDXJ - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for DRDGOLD Limited (DRD) is 17.37%, while VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF (GDXJ) has a volatility of 19.46%. This indicates that DRD experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than GDXJ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DRD	GDXJ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	17.37%	19.46%	-2.09%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	43.75%	43.41%	+0.34%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	58.02%	51.54%	+6.48%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	51.50%	41.50%	+10.00%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	58.03%	44.23%	+13.80%

Dividends

DRD vs. GDXJ - Dividend Comparison

DRD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.32%, less than GDXJ's 2.54% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DRD DRDGOLD Limited	2.30%	1.26%	2.53%	5.74%	5.00%	6.54%	4.47%	2.65%	2.05%	1.12%	6.15%	3.73%
GDXJ VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF	2.54%	2.33%	2.61%	0.72%	0.51%	1.78%	1.58%	0.39%	0.45%	0.03%	4.78%	0.72%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DRD and GDXJ in my portfolio?

DRD and GDXJ have a correlation of 0.84, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DRD or GDXJ?

GDXJ has higher volatility (19.46%) compared to DRD (17.37%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DRD dropped -98.44% vs GDXJ's -88.66%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DRD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.16 vs 1.00), 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.