DURA vs. GDX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

DURA (VanEck Vectors Morningstar Durable Dividend ETF) and GDX (VanEck Gold Miners ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DURA is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the Morningstar US Dividend Valuation Index, while GDX is a Gold fund tracking the NYSE MarketVector Global Gold Miners Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, DURA returned 7.29%/yr vs 18.69%/yr for GDX. At a 0.17 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. DURA charges 0.29%/yr vs 0.51%/yr for GDX.

Performance

DURA vs. GDX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in VanEck Vectors Morningstar Durable Dividend ETF (DURA) 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, DURA achieves a 12.48% return, which is significantly higher than GDX's -0.90% return.

DURA

• 1D: 0.24%
• 1M: 0.38%
• YTD: 12.48%
• 6M: 12.41%
• 1Y: 21.36%
• 3Y*: 10.54%
• 5Y*: 7.29%
• 10Y*: —

GDX

• 1D: -3.46%
• 1M: -0.76%
• YTD: -0.90%
• 6M: 5.62%
• 1Y: 61.27%
• 3Y*: 41.00%
• 5Y*: 18.69%
• 10Y*: 13.98%

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

DURA vs. GDX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
DURA VanEck Vectors Morningstar Durable Dividend ETF	12.48%	7.61%	8.51%	0.82%	2.41%	15.53%	0.04%	27.55%	-3.80%
GDX VanEck Gold Miners ETF	-0.90%	154.77%	10.63%	9.98%	-9.01%	-9.52%	23.66%	39.84%	12.00%

Correlation

The correlation between DURA and GDX is 0.11, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.11
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.19
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.25
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 1, 2018	0.17

The correlation between DURA and GDX shifts across timeframes, from 0.11 (1 year) to 0.25 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

DURA vs. GDX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DURA	GDX
Consumer Defensive	22.1%	-
Energy	15.0%	-
Healthcare	14.2%	-
Financial Services	9.2%	-
Technology	9.0%	-
Communication Services	8.9%	-
Utilities	6.9%	-
Consumer Cyclical	6.7%	-
Industrials	5.9%	-
Basic Materials	2.0%	100.0%
Real Estate	-	-

Return for Risk

DURA vs. GDX — Risk / Return Rank

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

DURA

DURA Risk / Return Rank: 49
DURA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
DURA Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
DURA Omega Ratio Rank: 51
DURA Calmar Ratio Rank: 51
DURA Martin Ratio Rank: 60

GDX

GDX Risk / Return Rank: 35
GDX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 37
GDX Sortino Ratio Rank: 32
GDX Omega Ratio Rank: 36
GDX Calmar Ratio Rank: 39
GDX Martin Ratio Rank: 33

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.

DURA vs. GDX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for VanEck Vectors Morningstar Durable Dividend ETF (DURA) 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.

	DURA	GDX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.45	1.35	+0.10
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.18	1.76	+0.42
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.25	+0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.51	2.00	+0.52
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.60	5.13	+5.48
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

DURA vs. GDX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DURA Sharpe Ratio is 1.45, which is comparable to the GDX Sharpe Ratio of 1.35. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DURA 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.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	DURA	GDX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.45	1.35	+0.10
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.54	0.52	+0.02
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.38	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.53	0.13	+0.40

Drawdowns

DURA vs. GDX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DURA drawdown since its inception was -33.15%, smaller than the maximum GDX drawdown of -80.34%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DURA and GDX.

Drawdown Indicators

	DURA	GDX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-33.15%	-80.34%	+47.19%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.53%	-30.84%	+22.31%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.27%	-30.84%	+16.57%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-15.80%	-46.51%	+30.71%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-49.79%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.55%	-26.62%	+24.07%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.92%	-40.43%	+36.51%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.02%	11.99%	-9.97%

Volatility

DURA vs. GDX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for VanEck Vectors Morningstar Durable Dividend ETF (DURA) is 3.29%, while VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX) has a volatility of 15.40%. This indicates that DURA 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

	DURA	GDX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.29%	15.40%	-12.11%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.86%	37.50%	-29.64%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.79%	45.49%	-30.70%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.63%	36.39%	-22.76%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.99%	37.18%	-20.19%

DURA vs. GDX - Expense Ratio Comparison

DURA has a 0.29% expense ratio, which is lower than GDX's 0.51% expense ratio.

Dividends

DURA vs. GDX - Dividend Comparison

DURA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.30%, more than GDX's 0.74% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DURA VanEck Vectors Morningstar Durable Dividend ETF	3.30%	3.59%	3.33%	3.58%	3.01%	2.89%	3.49%	3.83%	0.66%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
GDX VanEck Gold Miners ETF	0.74%	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 DURA and GDX in my portfolio?

DURA and GDX have a correlation of 0.11, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DURA or GDX?

GDX has higher volatility (15.40%) compared to DURA (3.29%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DURA dropped -33.15% vs GDX's -80.34%.

Which ETF is better, DURA or GDX?

On 5-year performance, GDX leads with 18.69% vs 7.29% for DURA. On fees, DURA is cheaper at 0.29% per year. On volatility, DURA has been the lower-risk option at 3.29%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DURA or GDX?

Over the 5-year period, GDX has performed better with a 18.69% return vs 7.29%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DURA or GDX?

DURA is cheaper with a 0.29% expense ratio, compared with 0.51% for GDX.

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

DURA has the higher dividend yield at 3.30%, compared with 0.74% for GDX.

What is the main difference between DURA and GDX?

DURA is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while GDX is Gold. DURA tracks Morningstar US Dividend Valuation Index, while GDX tracks NYSE MarketVector Global Gold Miners Index. Their fees differ too: 0.29% for DURA and 0.51% for GDX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DURA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.45 vs 1.35), 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.