FSAGX vs. GDX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

FSAGX (Fidelity Select Gold Portfolio) and GDX (VanEck Gold Miners ETF) are both funds - FSAGX is a Precious Metals fund managed by Fidelity, while GDX is a Gold fund tracking the NYSE MarketVector Global Gold Miners Index. Over the past 10 years, FSAGX returned 12.30%/yr vs 13.98%/yr for GDX. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. FSAGX charges 0.76%/yr vs 0.51%/yr for GDX.

Performance

FSAGX vs. GDX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Fidelity Select Gold Portfolio (FSAGX) 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, FSAGX achieves a 5.40% return, which is significantly higher than GDX's -0.90% return. Over the past 10 years, FSAGX has underperformed GDX with an annualized return of 12.30%, while GDX has yielded a comparatively higher 13.98% annualized return.

FSAGX

• 1D: 1.18%
• 1M: 3.80%
• YTD: 5.40%
• 6M: 12.28%
• 1Y: 61.74%
• 3Y*: 40.65%
• 5Y*: 16.56%
• 10Y*: 12.30%

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)

FSAGX vs. GDX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FSAGX Fidelity Select Gold Portfolio	5.40%	143.05%	14.97%	-0.37%	-13.46%	-10.44%	26.83%	35.50%	-13.00%	8.63%
GDX VanEck Gold Miners ETF	-0.90%	154.77%	10.63%	9.98%	-9.01%	-9.52%	23.66%	39.84%	-8.77%	11.99%

Correlation

The correlation between FSAGX and GDX is 0.98 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.98
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.97
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.98
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.97
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 23, 2006	0.97

The correlation between FSAGX and GDX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.97 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

FSAGX vs. GDX — Risk / Return Rank

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

FSAGX

FSAGX Risk / Return Rank: 24
FSAGX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 26
FSAGX Sortino Ratio Rank: 19
FSAGX Omega Ratio Rank: 25
FSAGX Calmar Ratio Rank: 30
FSAGX Martin Ratio Rank: 20

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.

FSAGX vs. GDX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Fidelity Select Gold Portfolio (FSAGX) 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.

	FSAGX	GDX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.45	1.35	+0.09
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.83	1.76	+0.07
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.25	+0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.07	2.00	+0.07
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.41	5.13	+0.29
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

FSAGX vs. GDX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FSAGX 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 FSAGX 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

	FSAGX	GDX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.45	1.35	+0.09
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.50	0.52	-0.02
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.37	0.38	0.00
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.22	0.13	+0.09

Drawdowns

FSAGX vs. GDX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FSAGX drawdown since its inception was -77.21%, roughly equal to the maximum GDX drawdown of -80.34%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FSAGX and GDX.

Drawdown Indicators

	FSAGX	GDX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-77.21%	-80.34%	+3.13%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-29.85%	-30.84%	+0.99%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-29.85%	-30.84%	+0.99%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-45.94%	-46.51%	+0.57%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-50.57%	-49.79%	-0.78%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-22.82%	-26.62%	+3.80%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-33.35%	-40.43%	+7.08%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	11.40%	11.99%	-0.59%

Volatility

FSAGX vs. GDX - Volatility Comparison

Fidelity Select Gold Portfolio (FSAGX) and VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX) have volatilities of 14.88% and 15.40%, 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

	FSAGX	GDX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	14.88%	15.40%	-0.52%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	35.12%	37.50%	-2.38%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	43.06%	45.49%	-2.43%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	33.60%	36.39%	-2.79%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	33.10%	37.18%	-4.08%

FSAGX vs. GDX - Expense Ratio Comparison

FSAGX has a 0.76% expense ratio, which is higher than GDX's 0.51% expense ratio.

Dividends

FSAGX vs. GDX - Dividend Comparison

FSAGX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.87%, more than GDX's 0.74% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FSAGX Fidelity Select Gold Portfolio	4.87%	2.17%	3.62%	0.99%	0.36%	1.60%	4.40%	0.40%	0.00%	0.22%	3.57%	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 FSAGX and GDX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.98, FSAGX and GDX move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, FSAGX or GDX?

GDX has higher volatility (15.40%) compared to FSAGX (14.88%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FSAGX dropped -77.21% vs GDX's -80.34%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FSAGX 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.