FEP vs. GLD

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

FEP (First Trust Europe AlphaDEX Fund) and GLD (SPDR Gold Shares) are both exchange-traded funds - FEP is a Europe Equities fund tracking the Defined Europe Index, while GLD is a Gold fund tracking the LBMA Gold Price PM. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, FEP returned 10.37%/yr vs 13.23%/yr for GLD. At a 0.16 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. FEP charges 0.80%/yr vs 0.40%/yr for GLD.

Performance

FEP vs. GLD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Europe AlphaDEX Fund (FEP) and SPDR Gold Shares (GLD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FEP achieves a 11.01% return, which is significantly higher than GLD's 3.95% return. Over the past 10 years, FEP has underperformed GLD with an annualized return of 10.37%, while GLD has yielded a comparatively higher 13.23% annualized return.

FEP

• 1D: 0.44%
• 1M: 2.53%
• YTD: 11.01%
• 6M: 16.91%
• 1Y: 30.38%
• 3Y*: 25.14%
• 5Y*: 9.81%
• 10Y*: 10.37%

GLD

• 1D: 0.17%
• 1M: -2.65%
• YTD: 3.95%
• 6M: 6.38%
• 1Y: 32.18%
• 3Y*: 31.53%
• 5Y*: 18.64%
• 10Y*: 13.23%

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

FEP vs. GLD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FEP First Trust Europe AlphaDEX Fund	11.01%	55.72%	3.38%	16.85%	-22.97%	17.03%	4.12%	24.83%	-19.00%	36.27%
GLD SPDR Gold Shares	3.95%	63.68%	26.66%	12.69%	-0.77%	-4.15%	24.81%	17.86%	-1.94%	12.81%

Correlation

The correlation between FEP and GLD is 0.37, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.37
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.32
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.29
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.21
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 27, 2011	0.16

Over the past year, FEP and GLD have become more correlated (0.37) than their long-term average of 0.16, meaning their price movements have been converging.

FEP vs. GLD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FEP	GLD
Industrials	25.4%	-
Basic Materials	11.3%	100.0%
Energy	11.0%	-
Consumer Cyclical	10.7%	-
Financial Services	9.8%	-
Consumer Defensive	8.1%	-
Utilities	7.1%	-
Real Estate	5.2%	-
Healthcare	4.8%	-
Communication Services	3.7%	-
Technology	3.0%	-

Return for Risk

FEP vs. GLD — Risk / Return Rank

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

FEP

FEP Risk / Return Rank: 53
FEP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 52
FEP Sortino Ratio Rank: 51
FEP Omega Ratio Rank: 52
FEP Calmar Ratio Rank: 53
FEP Martin Ratio Rank: 58

GLD

GLD Risk / Return Rank: 34
GLD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 34
GLD Sortino Ratio Rank: 30
GLD Omega Ratio Rank: 37
GLD Calmar Ratio Rank: 37
GLD Martin Ratio Rank: 31

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.

FEP vs. GLD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Europe AlphaDEX Fund (FEP) 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.

	FEP	GLD	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.83	1.22	+0.61
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.50	1.61	+0.89
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.24	+0.08
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.68	1.86	+0.82
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	10.42	4.66	+5.76
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

FEP vs. GLD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FEP Sharpe Ratio is 1.83, which is higher than the GLD Sharpe Ratio of 1.22. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FEP and GLD, 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

	FEP	GLD	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.83	1.22	+0.61
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.50	1.04	-0.54
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.50	0.83	-0.33
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.34	0.60	-0.26

Drawdowns

FEP vs. GLD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FEP drawdown since its inception was -46.05%, roughly equal to the maximum GLD drawdown of -45.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FEP and GLD.

Drawdown Indicators

	FEP	GLD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-46.05%	-45.56%	-0.49%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.13%	-19.21%	+7.08%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.83%	-19.21%	+3.38%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-38.99%	-21.03%	-17.96%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-46.05%	-22.00%	-24.05%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.55%	-16.93%	+16.38%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.03%	-16.16%	+4.13%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.11%	7.65%	-4.54%

Volatility

FEP vs. GLD - Volatility Comparison

First Trust Europe AlphaDEX Fund (FEP) and SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) have volatilities of 5.90% and 5.78%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FEP	GLD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.90%	5.78%	+0.12%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.92%	23.14%	-9.22%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.77%	26.71%	-9.94%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.67%	18.02%	+1.65%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.73%	15.95%	+4.78%

FEP vs. GLD - Expense Ratio Comparison

FEP has a 0.80% expense ratio, which is higher than GLD's 0.40% expense ratio.

Dividends

FEP vs. GLD - Dividend Comparison

FEP's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.95%, while GLD has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FEP First Trust Europe AlphaDEX Fund	2.95%	3.33%	4.94%	3.27%	3.00%	3.49%	2.32%	2.63%	2.62%	1.65%	2.14%	2.20%
GLD SPDR Gold Shares	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	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 FEP and GLD in my portfolio?

FEP and GLD have a correlation of 0.37, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FEP or GLD?

FEP has higher volatility (5.90%) compared to GLD (5.78%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FEP dropped -46.05% vs GLD's -45.56%.

Which ETF is better, FEP or GLD?

On 10-year performance, GLD leads with 13.23% vs 10.37% for FEP. On fees, GLD is cheaper at 0.40% per year. On volatility, GLD has been the lower-risk option at 5.78%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FEP or GLD?

Over the 10-year period, GLD has performed better with a 13.23% return vs 10.37%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FEP or GLD?

GLD is cheaper with a 0.40% expense ratio, compared with 0.80% for FEP.

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

FEP has the higher dividend yield at 2.95%, compared with 0.00% for GLD.

What is the main difference between FEP and GLD?

FEP is categorized as Europe Equities, while GLD is Gold. FEP tracks Defined Europe Index, while GLD tracks LBMA Gold Price PM. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.80% for FEP and 0.40% for GLD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FEP currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.83 vs 1.22), 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.