GDMN vs. GDXU

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

GDMN (WisdomTree Efficient Gold Plus Gold Miners Strategy Fund) and GDXU (MicroSectors Gold Miners 3X Leveraged ETNs due June 29, 2040) are both exchange-traded funds - GDMN is a Commodities fund actively managed by WisdomTree, while GDXU is a Leveraged Equities fund tracking the S-Network MicroSectors Gold Miners Index. GDMN is actively managed, while GDXU is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, GDMN returned 56.30%/yr vs 37.87%/yr for GDXU. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. GDMN charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.95%/yr for GDXU.

Performance

GDMN vs. GDXU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in WisdomTree Efficient Gold Plus Gold Miners Strategy Fund (GDMN) and MicroSectors Gold Miners 3X Leveraged ETNs due June 29, 2040 (GDXU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, GDMN achieves a -13.77% return, which is significantly higher than GDXU's -56.00% return.

GDMN

• 1D: 2.11%
• 1M: -23.27%
• YTD: -13.77%
• 6M: -13.73%
• 1Y: 56.55%
• 3Y*: 56.30%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

GDXU

• 1D: 8.84%
• 1M: -50.11%
• YTD: -56.00%
• 6M: -55.92%
• 1Y: 30.95%
• 3Y*: 37.87%
• 5Y*: -14.73%
• 10Y*: —

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

GDMN vs. GDXU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
GDMN WisdomTree Efficient Gold Plus Gold Miners Strategy Fund	-13.77%	237.09%	28.23%	12.97%	-14.62%	6.93%
GDXU MicroSectors Gold Miners 3X Leveraged ETNs due June 29, 2040	-56.00%	796.47%	-18.60%	-21.36%	-62.82%	27.74%

Correlation

The correlation between GDMN and GDXU is 0.96 - 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	0.96
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 16, 2021	0.96

The correlation between GDMN and GDXU has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.96 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

GDMN vs. GDXU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	GDMN	GDXU
Basic Materials	100.0%	100.0%
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

GDMN vs. GDXU — Risk / Return Rank

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

GDMN

GDMN Risk / Return Rank: 29
GDMN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 28
GDMN Sortino Ratio Rank: 28
GDMN Omega Ratio Rank: 33
GDMN Calmar Ratio Rank: 27
GDMN Martin Ratio Rank: 26

GDXU

GDXU Risk / Return Rank: 19
GDXU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 13
GDXU Sortino Ratio Rank: 26
GDXU Omega Ratio Rank: 29
GDXU Calmar Ratio Rank: 14
GDXU Martin Ratio Rank: 14

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.

GDMN vs. GDXU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for WisdomTree Efficient Gold Plus Gold Miners Strategy Fund (GDMN) and MicroSectors Gold Miners 3X Leveraged ETNs due June 29, 2040 (GDXU). 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.

	GDMN	GDXU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.90	0.22	+0.68
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.38	1.27	+0.10
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.20	1.18	+0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.17	0.37	+0.80
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.15	0.80	+2.35

GDMN vs. GDXU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GDMN Sharpe Ratio is 0.90, which is higher than the GDXU Sharpe Ratio of 0.22. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GDMN and GDXU, 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

GDMN vs. GDXU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GDMN drawdown since its inception was -52.82%, smaller than the maximum GDXU drawdown of -94.39%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GDMN and GDXU.

Drawdown Indicators

	GDMN	GDXU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-52.82%	-94.39%	+41.57%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-48.76%	-83.97%	+35.21%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-48.76%	-83.97%	+35.21%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-92.44%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-43.39%	-79.58%	+36.19%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-19.02%	-69.77%	+50.75%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	18.01%	38.59%	-20.58%

Volatility

GDMN vs. GDXU - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for WisdomTree Efficient Gold Plus Gold Miners Strategy Fund (GDMN) is 21.98%, while MicroSectors Gold Miners 3X Leveraged ETNs due June 29, 2040 (GDXU) has a volatility of 54.28%. This indicates that GDMN experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than GDXU based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GDMN	GDXU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	21.98%	54.28%	-32.30%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	54.30%	123.72%	-69.42%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	63.44%	142.00%	-78.56%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	48.07%	111.92%	-63.85%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	48.07%	110.82%	-62.75%

GDMN vs. GDXU - Expense Ratio Comparison

GDMN has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is lower than GDXU's 0.95% expense ratio.

Dividends

GDMN vs. GDXU - Dividend Comparison

GDMN's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.13%, while GDXU has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
GDMN WisdomTree Efficient Gold Plus Gold Miners Strategy Fund	3.13%	2.70%	9.44%	7.69%	1.44%
GDXU MicroSectors Gold Miners 3X Leveraged ETNs due June 29, 2040	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GDMN and GDXU in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, GDMN and GDXU 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, GDMN or GDXU?

GDXU has higher volatility (54.28%) compared to GDMN (21.98%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GDMN dropped -52.82% vs GDXU's -94.39%.

Which ETF is better, GDMN or GDXU?

On 3-year performance, GDMN leads with 56.30% vs 37.87% for GDXU. On fees, GDMN is cheaper at 0.45% per year. On volatility, GDMN has been the lower-risk option at 21.98%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, GDMN or GDXU?

Over the 3-year period, GDMN has performed better with a 56.30% return vs 37.87%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, GDMN or GDXU?

GDMN is cheaper with a 0.45% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for GDXU.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, GDMN or GDXU?

GDMN has the higher dividend yield at 3.13%, compared with 0.00% for GDXU.

What is the main difference between GDMN and GDXU?

GDMN is categorized as Commodities, while GDXU is Leveraged Equities. They also come from different issuers: WisdomTree and BMO. Their fees differ too: 0.45% for GDMN and 0.95% for GDXU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GDMN currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.90 vs 0.22), 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.