GBUG vs. SGDJ

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

GBUG (Sprott Active Gold & Silver Miners ETF) and SGDJ (Sprott Junior Gold Miners ETF) are both Gold funds from Sprott. GBUG is actively managed, while SGDJ is passively managed. Over the past year, GBUG returned 51.78% vs 65.76% for SGDJ. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. GBUG charges 0.89%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for SGDJ.

Performance

GBUG vs. SGDJ - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, GBUG achieves a -13.62% return, which is significantly lower than SGDJ's -10.56% return.

GBUG

• 1D: -4.33%
• 1M: -11.20%
• YTD: -13.62%
• 6M: -16.82%
• 1Y: 51.78%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SGDJ

• 1D: -5.46%
• 1M: -11.93%
• YTD: -10.56%
• 6M: -13.62%
• 1Y: 65.76%
• 3Y*: 48.00%
• 5Y*: 15.99%
• 10Y*: 9.46%

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

GBUG vs. SGDJ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
GBUG Sprott Active Gold & Silver Miners ETF	-13.62%	122.37%
SGDJ Sprott Junior Gold Miners ETF	-10.56%	132.48%

Correlation

The correlation between GBUG and SGDJ is 0.94, 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	0.94
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 20, 2025	0.94

The correlation between GBUG and SGDJ has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.94 to 0.94 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

GBUG vs. SGDJ — Risk / Return Rank

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

GBUG

GBUG Risk / Return Rank: 31
GBUG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 31
GBUG Sortino Ratio Rank: 29
GBUG Omega Ratio Rank: 33
GBUG Calmar Ratio Rank: 31
GBUG Martin Ratio Rank: 28

SGDJ

SGDJ Risk / Return Rank: 37
SGDJ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 40
SGDJ Sortino Ratio Rank: 35
SGDJ Omega Ratio Rank: 39
SGDJ Calmar Ratio Rank: 39
SGDJ Martin Ratio Rank: 34

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. SGDJ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	GBUG	SGDJ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.03	1.29	-0.26
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.48	1.70	-0.22
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.20	1.23	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.41	1.79	-0.38
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.65	4.60	-0.94

GBUG vs. SGDJ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GBUG Sharpe Ratio is 1.03, which is comparable to the SGDJ Sharpe Ratio of 1.29. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GBUG and SGDJ, 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

GBUG vs. SGDJ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GBUG drawdown since its inception was -36.90%, smaller than the maximum SGDJ drawdown of -59.27%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GBUG and SGDJ.

Drawdown Indicators

	GBUG	SGDJ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-36.90%	-59.27%	+22.37%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-36.90%	-36.84%	-0.06%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-36.84%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-52.66%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-59.27%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-35.13%	-34.79%	-0.34%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.54%	-26.26%	+17.72%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	14.21%	14.34%	-0.13%

Volatility

GBUG vs. SGDJ - Volatility Comparison

Sprott Active Gold & Silver Miners ETF (GBUG) and Sprott Junior Gold Miners ETF (SGDJ) have volatilities of 19.69% and 19.39%, 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	SGDJ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	19.69%	19.39%	+0.30%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	42.58%	42.95%	-0.37%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	50.46%	51.08%	-0.62%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	48.68%	40.94%	+7.74%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	48.68%	40.99%	+7.69%

GBUG vs. SGDJ - Expense Ratio Comparison

GBUG has a 0.89% expense ratio, which is higher than SGDJ's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

GBUG vs. SGDJ - Dividend Comparison

GBUG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.80%, less than SGDJ's 9.36% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GBUG Sprott Active Gold & Silver Miners ETF	1.80%	1.56%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SGDJ Sprott Junior Gold Miners ETF	9.36%	8.37%	6.55%	4.55%	2.46%	2.20%	1.97%	0.65%	0.00%	0.14%	1.77%	0.85%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GBUG and SGDJ in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.94, GBUG and SGDJ 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, GBUG or SGDJ?

GBUG has higher volatility (19.69%) compared to SGDJ (19.39%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GBUG dropped -36.90% vs SGDJ's -59.27%.

Which ETF is better, GBUG or SGDJ?

On 1-year performance, SGDJ leads with 65.76% vs 51.78% for GBUG. On fees, SGDJ is cheaper at 0.50% per year. On volatility, SGDJ has been the lower-risk option at 19.39%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, GBUG or SGDJ?

Over the 1-year period, SGDJ has performed better with a 65.76% return vs 51.78%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, GBUG or SGDJ?

SGDJ is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.89% for GBUG.

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

SGDJ has the higher dividend yield at 9.36%, compared with 1.80% for GBUG.

What is the main difference between GBUG and SGDJ?

Their fees differ too: 0.89% for GBUG and 0.50% for SGDJ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SGDJ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.29 vs 1.03), 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.