DXJ vs. GDX

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

DXJ (WisdomTree Japan Hedged Equity Fund) and GDX (VanEck Gold Miners ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DXJ is a Japan Equities fund tracking the WisdomTree Japan Hedged Equity Index, while GDX is a Gold fund tracking the NYSE MarketVector Global Gold Miners Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, DXJ returned 18.72%/yr vs 13.29%/yr for GDX. At a 0.11 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. DXJ charges 0.48%/yr vs 0.51%/yr for GDX.

Performance

DXJ vs. GDX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in WisdomTree Japan Hedged Equity Fund (DXJ) 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, DXJ achieves a 18.74% return, which is significantly higher than GDX's -6.69% return. Over the past 10 years, DXJ has outperformed GDX with an annualized return of 18.72%, while GDX has yielded a comparatively lower 13.29% annualized return.

DXJ

• 1D: 0.74%
• 1M: -0.20%
• YTD: 18.74%
• 6M: 19.84%
• 1Y: 53.35%
• 3Y*: 30.91%
• 5Y*: 26.01%
• 10Y*: 18.72%

GDX

• 1D: 2.97%
• 1M: -16.83%
• YTD: -6.69%
• 6M: -5.89%
• 1Y: 50.59%
• 3Y*: 38.96%
• 5Y*: 17.51%
• 10Y*: 13.29%

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

DXJ vs. GDX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DXJ WisdomTree Japan Hedged Equity Fund	18.74%	32.78%	29.83%	42.04%	5.96%	17.99%	3.94%	18.94%	-19.78%	22.81%
GDX VanEck Gold Miners ETF	-6.69%	154.77%	10.63%	9.98%	-9.01%	-9.52%	23.66%	39.84%	-8.77%	11.99%

Correlation

The correlation between DXJ and GDX is 0.34, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.34
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.22
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.19
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.04
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 16, 2006	0.11

Over the past year, DXJ and GDX have become more correlated (0.34) than their long-term average of 0.11, meaning their price movements have been converging.

DXJ vs. GDX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DXJ	GDX
Industrials	27.4%	-
Financial Services	18.3%	-
Consumer Cyclical	15.6%	-
Technology	12.9%	-
Basic Materials	8.5%	100.0%
Healthcare	6.8%	-
Consumer Defensive	4.7%	-
Communication Services	2.7%	-
Energy	1.7%	-
Utilities	0.1%	-
Real Estate	-	-

Return for Risk

DXJ vs. GDX — Risk / Return Rank

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

DXJ

DXJ Risk / Return Rank: 92
DXJ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 93
DXJ Sortino Ratio Rank: 93
DXJ Omega Ratio Rank: 92
DXJ Calmar Ratio Rank: 90
DXJ Martin Ratio Rank: 91

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.

DXJ vs. GDX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for WisdomTree Japan Hedged Equity Fund (DXJ) 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.

	DXJ	GDX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.02	1.09	+1.94
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.04	1.51	+2.53
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.54	1.21	+0.33
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.88	1.40	+3.48
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	18.93	3.87	+15.06

DXJ vs. GDX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DXJ Sharpe Ratio is 3.02, which is higher than the GDX Sharpe Ratio of 1.09. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DXJ 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

DXJ vs. GDX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DXJ drawdown since its inception was -49.63%, smaller than the maximum GDX drawdown of -80.34%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DXJ and GDX.

Drawdown Indicators

	DXJ	GDX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-49.63%	-80.34%	+30.71%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.98%	-36.28%	+25.30%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-22.19%	-36.28%	+14.09%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-22.19%	-46.51%	+24.32%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-39.14%	-49.79%	+10.65%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.34%	-30.91%	+29.57%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-14.32%	-40.41%	+26.09%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.83%	13.11%	-10.28%

Volatility

DXJ vs. GDX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for WisdomTree Japan Hedged Equity Fund (DXJ) is 4.64%, while VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX) has a volatility of 17.20%. This indicates that DXJ 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

	DXJ	GDX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.64%	17.20%	-12.56%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.56%	39.15%	-25.59%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.73%	46.89%	-29.16%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.02%	36.74%	-17.72%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.17%	37.34%	-17.17%

DXJ vs. GDX - Expense Ratio Comparison

DXJ has a 0.48% expense ratio, which is lower than GDX's 0.51% expense ratio.

Dividends

DXJ vs. GDX - Dividend Comparison

DXJ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.09%, more than GDX's 0.79% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DXJ WisdomTree Japan Hedged Equity Fund	1.09%	1.29%	3.48%	3.44%	3.02%	2.64%	2.53%	2.47%	2.92%	2.30%	1.98%	5.95%
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 DXJ and GDX in my portfolio?

DXJ and GDX have a correlation of 0.34, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DXJ or GDX?

GDX has higher volatility (17.20%) compared to DXJ (4.64%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DXJ dropped -49.63% vs GDX's -80.34%.

Which ETF is better, DXJ or GDX?

On 10-year performance, DXJ leads with 18.72% vs 13.29% for GDX. On fees, DXJ is cheaper at 0.48% per year. On volatility, DXJ has been the lower-risk option at 4.64%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DXJ or GDX?

Over the 10-year period, DXJ has performed better with a 18.72% return vs 13.29%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DXJ or GDX?

DXJ is cheaper with a 0.48% expense ratio, compared with 0.51% for GDX.

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

DXJ has the higher dividend yield at 1.09%, compared with 0.79% for GDX.

What is the main difference between DXJ and GDX?

DXJ is categorized as Japan Equities, while GDX is Gold. DXJ tracks WisdomTree Japan Hedged Equity Index, while GDX tracks NYSE MarketVector Global Gold Miners Index. They also come from different issuers: WisdomTree and VanEck. Their fees differ too: 0.48% for DXJ and 0.51% for GDX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DXJ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.02 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.