FSAGX vs. GLD

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

FSAGX (Fidelity Select Gold Portfolio) and GLD (SPDR Gold Shares) are both Gold funds. Over the past 10 years, FSAGX returned 10.62%/yr vs 11.59%/yr for GLD. A 0.76 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FSAGX charges 0.73%/yr vs 0.40%/yr for GLD.

Performance

FSAGX vs. GLD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Fidelity Select Gold Portfolio (FSAGX) 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, FSAGX achieves a -2.07% return, which is significantly higher than GLD's -4.79% return. Over the past 10 years, FSAGX has underperformed GLD with an annualized return of 10.62%, while GLD has yielded a comparatively higher 11.59% annualized return.

FSAGX

• 1D: -0.85%
• 1M: -3.05%
• YTD: -2.07%
• 6M: -6.88%
• 1Y: 50.39%
• 3Y*: 40.63%
• 5Y*: 16.97%
• 10Y*: 10.62%

GLD

• 1D: -1.89%
• 1M: -8.82%
• YTD: -4.79%
• 6M: -8.78%
• 1Y: 21.29%
• 3Y*: 28.41%
• 5Y*: 17.84%
• 10Y*: 11.59%

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

FSAGX vs. GLD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FSAGX Fidelity Select Gold Portfolio	-2.07%	143.05%	14.97%	-0.37%	-13.46%	-10.44%	26.83%	35.50%	-13.00%	8.63%
GLD SPDR Gold Shares	-4.79%	63.68%	26.66%	12.69%	-0.77%	-4.15%	24.81%	17.86%	-1.94%	12.81%

Correlation

The correlation between FSAGX and GLD is 0.80, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.80
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.79
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.78
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.77
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 18, 2004	0.76

The correlation between FSAGX and GLD has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.76 to 0.80 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

FSAGX vs. GLD — Risk / Return Rank

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

FSAGX

FSAGX Risk / Return Rank: 18
FSAGX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 18
FSAGX Sortino Ratio Rank: 16
FSAGX Omega Ratio Rank: 20
FSAGX Calmar Ratio Rank: 19
FSAGX Martin Ratio Rank: 16

GLD

GLD Risk / Return Rank: 22
GLD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 23
GLD Sortino Ratio Rank: 21
GLD Omega Ratio Rank: 24
GLD Calmar Ratio Rank: 20
GLD Martin Ratio Rank: 20

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. GLD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	FSAGX	GLD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.15	0.78	+0.38
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.57	1.13	+0.44
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.22	1.17	+0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.46	0.87	+0.59
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.95	2.35	+1.60

FSAGX vs. GLD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FSAGX Sharpe Ratio is 1.15, which is higher than the GLD Sharpe Ratio of 0.78. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FSAGX 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.

Drawdowns

FSAGX vs. GLD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FSAGX drawdown since its inception was -77.21%, which is greater than GLD's maximum drawdown of -45.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FSAGX and GLD.

Drawdown Indicators

	FSAGX	GLD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-77.21%	-45.56%	-31.65%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-35.40%	-24.46%	-10.94%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-35.40%	-24.46%	-10.94%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-45.94%	-24.46%	-21.48%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-50.57%	-24.46%	-26.11%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-28.29%	-23.91%	-4.38%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-33.34%	-16.17%	-17.17%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	13.09%	9.10%	+3.99%

Volatility

FSAGX vs. GLD - Volatility Comparison

Fidelity Select Gold Portfolio (FSAGX) has a higher volatility of 17.04% compared to SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) at 8.18%. This indicates that FSAGX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than GLD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FSAGX	GLD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	17.04%	8.18%	+8.86%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	37.83%	24.38%	+13.45%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	45.10%	27.57%	+17.53%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	34.10%	18.24%	+15.86%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	33.39%	16.04%	+17.35%

FSAGX vs. GLD - Expense Ratio Comparison

FSAGX has a 0.73% expense ratio, which is higher than GLD's 0.40% expense ratio.

Dividends

FSAGX vs. GLD - Dividend Comparison

FSAGX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.24%, while GLD has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
FSAGX Fidelity Select Gold Portfolio	5.24%	2.17%	3.62%	0.99%	0.36%	1.60%	4.40%	0.40%	0.00%	0.22%	3.57%
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%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FSAGX and GLD in my portfolio?

FSAGX and GLD have a correlation of 0.80, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FSAGX or GLD?

FSAGX has higher volatility (17.04%) compared to GLD (8.18%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FSAGX dropped -77.21% vs GLD's -45.56%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FSAGX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.15 vs 0.78), 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.