GBUG vs. NIKL

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

GBUG (Sprott Active Gold & Silver Miners ETF) and NIKL (Sprott Nickel Miners ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - GBUG is a Gold fund actively managed by Sprott, while NIKL is a Energy Equities fund tracking the Nasdaq Sprott Nickel Miners Index - Benchmark TR Gross. GBUG is actively managed, while NIKL is passively managed. Over the past year, GBUG returned 46.03% vs 17.64% for NIKL. A 0.56 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. GBUG charges 0.89%/yr vs 0.75%/yr for NIKL.

Performance

GBUG vs. NIKL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Sprott Active Gold & Silver Miners ETF (GBUG) and Sprott Nickel Miners ETF (NIKL). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, GBUG achieves a -11.03% return, which is significantly higher than NIKL's -14.49% return.

GBUG

• 1D: -9.73%
• 1M: -15.35%
• YTD: -11.03%
• 6M: -2.89%
• 1Y: 46.03%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

NIKL

• 1D: -7.56%
• 1M: -23.41%
• YTD: -14.49%
• 6M: -2.70%
• 1Y: 17.64%
• 3Y*: -6.06%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

GBUG vs. NIKL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
GBUG Sprott Active Gold & Silver Miners ETF	-11.03%	119.00%
NIKL Sprott Nickel Miners ETF	-14.49%	54.51%

Correlation

The correlation between GBUG and NIKL is 0.61, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.61
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 21, 2025	0.56

The correlation between GBUG and NIKL has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.56 to 0.61 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

GBUG vs. NIKL — Risk / Return Rank

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

GBUG

GBUG Risk / Return Rank: 28
GBUG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 28
GBUG Sortino Ratio Rank: 27
GBUG Omega Ratio Rank: 30
GBUG Calmar Ratio Rank: 30
GBUG Martin Ratio Rank: 27

NIKL

NIKL Risk / Return Rank: 17
NIKL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 16
NIKL Sortino Ratio Rank: 18
NIKL Omega Ratio Rank: 18
NIKL Calmar Ratio Rank: 16
NIKL Martin Ratio Rank: 16

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.

GBUG vs. NIKL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Sprott Active Gold & Silver Miners ETF (GBUG) and Sprott Nickel Miners ETF (NIKL). 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.

	GBUG	NIKL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.95	0.42	+0.53
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.38	0.86	+0.52
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.19	1.10	+0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.39	0.51	+0.88
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.65	1.40	+2.24
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

GBUG vs. NIKL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GBUG Sharpe Ratio is 0.95, which is higher than the NIKL Sharpe Ratio of 0.42. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GBUG and NIKL, 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

	GBUG	NIKL	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.95	0.42	+0.53
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.42	-0.18	+1.59

Drawdowns

GBUG vs. NIKL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GBUG drawdown since its inception was -33.18%, smaller than the maximum NIKL drawdown of -60.23%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GBUG and NIKL.

Drawdown Indicators

	GBUG	NIKL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-33.18%	-60.23%	+27.05%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-33.18%	-34.68%	+1.50%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-60.23%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-33.18%	-34.68%	+1.50%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.75%	-26.59%	+18.84%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	12.70%	12.62%	+0.08%

Volatility

GBUG vs. NIKL - Volatility Comparison

Sprott Active Gold & Silver Miners ETF (GBUG) and Sprott Nickel Miners ETF (NIKL) have volatilities of 16.65% and 15.88%, 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

	GBUG	NIKL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	16.65%	15.88%	+0.77%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	40.73%	36.39%	+4.34%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	48.66%	42.56%	+6.10%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	48.05%	32.86%	+15.19%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	48.05%	32.86%	+15.19%

GBUG vs. NIKL - Expense Ratio Comparison

GBUG has a 0.89% expense ratio, which is higher than NIKL's 0.75% expense ratio.

Dividends

GBUG vs. NIKL - Dividend Comparison

GBUG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.75%, less than NIKL's 2.96% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
GBUG Sprott Active Gold & Silver Miners ETF	1.75%	1.56%	0.00%	0.00%
NIKL Sprott Nickel Miners ETF	2.96%	2.53%	3.49%	19.52%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GBUG and NIKL in my portfolio?

GBUG and NIKL have a correlation of 0.61, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, GBUG or NIKL?

GBUG has higher volatility (16.65%) compared to NIKL (15.88%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GBUG dropped -33.18% vs NIKL's -60.23%.

Which ETF is better, GBUG or NIKL?

On 1-year performance, GBUG leads with 46.03% vs 17.64% for NIKL. On fees, NIKL is cheaper at 0.75% per year. On volatility, NIKL has been the lower-risk option at 15.88%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, GBUG or NIKL?

Over the 1-year period, GBUG has performed better with a 46.03% return vs 17.64%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, GBUG or NIKL?

NIKL is cheaper with a 0.75% expense ratio, compared with 0.89% for GBUG.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, GBUG or NIKL?

NIKL has the higher dividend yield at 2.96%, compared with 1.75% for GBUG.

What is the main difference between GBUG and NIKL?

GBUG is categorized as Gold, while NIKL is Energy Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.89% for GBUG and 0.75% for NIKL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GBUG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.95 vs 0.42), 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.