ESIX vs. GLD

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

ESIX (SPDR S&P SmallCap 600 ESG ETF) and GLD (SPDR Gold Shares) are both exchange-traded funds - ESIX is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the S&P SmallCap 600 ESG Index, while GLD is a Gold fund tracking the LBMA Gold Price PM. Both are passively managed. At a 0.11 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. ESIX charges 0.12%/yr vs 0.40%/yr for GLD.

Performance

ESIX vs. GLD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SPDR S&P SmallCap 600 ESG ETF (ESIX) and SPDR Gold Shares (GLD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

ESIX

• 1D: —
• 1M: —
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

GLD

• 1D: -3.02%
• 1M: -11.58%
• YTD: -7.67%
• 6M: -11.17%
• 1Y: 19.51%
• 3Y*: 27.10%
• 5Y*: 17.04%
• 10Y*: 11.25%

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

ESIX vs. GLD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
ESIX SPDR S&P SmallCap 600 ESG ETF	10.83%	1.83%	9.66%	17.51%	-13.44%
GLD SPDR Gold Shares	-7.67%	63.68%	26.66%	12.69%	0.82%

Correlation

The correlation between ESIX and GLD is 0.16, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.16
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.13
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 11, 2022	0.11

Return for Risk

ESIX vs. GLD — Risk / Return Rank

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

ESIX

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

GLD

GLD Risk / Return Rank: 21
GLD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 21
GLD Sortino Ratio Rank: 20
GLD Omega Ratio Rank: 23
GLD Calmar Ratio Rank: 18
GLD Martin Ratio Rank: 19

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.

ESIX vs. GLD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR S&P SmallCap 600 ESG ETF (ESIX) and SPDR Gold Shares (GLD). 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.

	ESIX	GLD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	0.71	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	1.05	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.15	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	0.75	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	2.12	—

Drawdowns

Drawdown Indicators

	ESIX	GLD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	—	-45.56%	—
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-26.21%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-26.21%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-26.21%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-26.21%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	—	-26.21%	—
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	—	-16.17%	—
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	9.24%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	ESIX	GLD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	8.58%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	24.57%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	27.75%	—
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	—	18.30%	—
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	—	16.07%	—

ESIX vs. GLD - Expense Ratio Comparison

ESIX has a 0.12% expense ratio, which is lower than GLD's 0.40% expense ratio.

Dividends

ESIX vs. GLD - Dividend Comparison

ESIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.05%, while GLD has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
ESIX SPDR S&P SmallCap 600 ESG ETF	1.05%	1.64%	1.65%	1.69%	1.54%
GLD SPDR Gold Shares	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ESIX and GLD in my portfolio?

ESIX and GLD have a correlation of 0.16, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, ESIX or GLD?

On fees, ESIX is cheaper at 0.12% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, ESIX or GLD?

ESIX is cheaper with a 0.12% expense ratio, compared with 0.40% for GLD.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, ESIX or GLD?

ESIX has the higher dividend yield at 1.05%, compared with 0.00% for GLD.

What is the main difference between ESIX and GLD?

ESIX is categorized as Small Cap Blend Equities, while GLD is Gold. ESIX tracks S&P SmallCap 600 ESG Index, while GLD tracks LBMA Gold Price PM. Their fees differ too: 0.12% for ESIX and 0.40% for GLD.