GBND vs. AAAU

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

GBND (Goldman Sachs Core Bond ETF) and AAAU (Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - GBND is a Intermediate Core Bond fund managed by Goldman Sachs, while AAAU is a Gold fund tracking the LBMA Gold PM Price. At a 0.27 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. GBND charges 0.25%/yr vs 0.18%/yr for AAAU.

Performance

GBND vs. AAAU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Goldman Sachs Core Bond ETF (GBND) and Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF (AAAU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, GBND achieves a 0.36% return, which is significantly lower than AAAU's 3.83% return.

GBND

• 1D: 0.15%
• 1M: 0.18%
• YTD: 0.36%
• 6M: 0.49%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

AAAU

• 1D: 0.87%
• 1M: -1.63%
• YTD: 3.83%
• 6M: 6.34%
• 1Y: 32.55%
• 3Y*: 31.47%
• 5Y*: 18.60%
• 10Y*: —

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

GBND vs. AAAU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
GBND Goldman Sachs Core Bond ETF	0.36%	3.49%
AAAU Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF	3.83%	29.33%

Correlation

The correlation between GBND and AAAU is 0.27, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 27, 2025	0.27

Return for Risk

GBND vs. AAAU — Risk / Return Rank

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

AAAU

AAAU Risk / Return Rank: 34
AAAU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 36
AAAU Sortino Ratio Rank: 31
AAAU Omega Ratio Rank: 39
AAAU Calmar Ratio Rank: 35
AAAU 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.

GBND vs. AAAU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Goldman Sachs Core Bond ETF (GBND) and Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF (AAAU). 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.

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

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	GBND	AAAU	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	1.24	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	1.05	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.15	1.09	+0.05

Drawdowns

GBND vs. AAAU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GBND drawdown since its inception was -2.76%, smaller than the maximum AAAU drawdown of -21.63%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GBND and AAAU.

Drawdown Indicators

	GBND	AAAU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-2.76%	-21.63%	+18.87%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-19.13%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-19.13%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-20.94%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.38%	-16.97%	+15.59%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.64%	-6.19%	+5.55%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	7.76%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	GBND	AAAU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	5.51%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	22.94%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.61%	26.33%	-22.72%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	3.61%	17.83%	-14.22%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	3.61%	16.99%	-13.38%

GBND vs. AAAU - Expense Ratio Comparison

GBND has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is higher than AAAU's 0.18% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

GBND vs. AAAU - Dividend Comparison

GBND's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.45%, while AAAU has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025
AAAU Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF	0.00%	0.00%
GBND Goldman Sachs Core Bond ETF	3.45%	2.20%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GBND and AAAU in my portfolio?

GBND and AAAU have a correlation of 0.27, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, GBND or AAAU?

On fees, AAAU is cheaper at 0.18% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, GBND or AAAU?

AAAU is cheaper with a 0.18% expense ratio, compared with 0.25% for GBND.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, GBND or AAAU?

GBND has the higher dividend yield at 3.45%, compared with 0.00% for AAAU.

What is the main difference between GBND and AAAU?

GBND is categorized as Intermediate Core Bond, while AAAU is Gold. Their fees differ too: 0.25% for GBND and 0.18% for AAAU.