GDXJ vs. GNR

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

GDXJ (VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF) and GNR (SPDR S&P Global Natural Resources ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - GDXJ is a Gold fund tracking the MVIS Global Junior Gold Miners Index, while GNR is a Commodity Producers Equities fund tracking the S&P Global Natural Resources Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, GDXJ returned 12.00%/yr vs 10.91%/yr for GNR. At a 0.45 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. GDXJ charges 0.52%/yr vs 0.40%/yr for GNR.

Performance

GDXJ vs. GNR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF (GDXJ) and SPDR S&P Global Natural Resources ETF (GNR). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, GDXJ achieves a -8.37% return, which is significantly lower than GNR's 17.34% return. Over the past 10 years, GDXJ has outperformed GNR with an annualized return of 12.00%, while GNR has yielded a comparatively lower 10.91% annualized return.

GDXJ

• 1D: 3.15%
• 1M: -19.14%
• YTD: -8.37%
• 6M: -6.68%
• 1Y: 51.06%
• 3Y*: 44.17%
• 5Y*: 16.23%
• 10Y*: 12.00%

GNR

• 1D: 1.21%
• 1M: -3.83%
• YTD: 17.34%
• 6M: 18.86%
• 1Y: 35.92%
• 3Y*: 13.61%
• 5Y*: 9.29%
• 10Y*: 10.91%

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

GDXJ vs. GNR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
GDXJ VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF	-8.37%	172.28%	15.67%	7.12%	-14.53%	-21.25%	30.40%	40.44%	-11.02%	8.22%
GNR SPDR S&P Global Natural Resources ETF	17.34%	28.68%	-8.27%	2.95%	10.20%	24.73%	-0.03%	16.49%	-13.19%	22.64%

Correlation

The correlation between GDXJ and GNR 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 (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.59
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.58
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.44
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 14, 2010	0.45

The correlation between GDXJ and GNR shifts across timeframes, from 0.44 (10 years) to 0.61 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

GDXJ vs. GNR - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	GDXJ	GNR
Basic Materials	100.0%	50.3%
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	6.3%
Consumer Defensive	-	4.6%
Energy	-	37.6%
Financial Services	-	0.0%
Healthcare	-	0.0%
Industrials	-	0.2%
Real Estate	-	0.8%
Technology	-	-
Utilities	-	0.0%

Return for Risk

GDXJ vs. GNR — Risk / Return Rank

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

GDXJ

GDXJ Risk / Return Rank: 31
GDXJ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 31
GDXJ Sortino Ratio Rank: 30
GDXJ Omega Ratio Rank: 33
GDXJ Calmar Ratio Rank: 30
GDXJ Martin Ratio Rank: 28

GNR

GNR Risk / Return Rank: 79
GNR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 76
GNR Sortino Ratio Rank: 70
GNR Omega Ratio Rank: 73
GNR Calmar Ratio Rank: 88
GNR Martin Ratio Rank: 87

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.

GDXJ vs. GNR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF (GDXJ) and SPDR S&P Global Natural Resources ETF (GNR). 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.

	GDXJ	GNR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.00	2.12	-1.12
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.45	2.74	-1.29
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.20	1.37	-0.17
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.30	4.53	-3.23
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.55	16.42	-12.86

GDXJ vs. GNR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GDXJ Sharpe Ratio is 1.00, which is lower than the GNR Sharpe Ratio of 2.12. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GDXJ and GNR, 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

GDXJ vs. GNR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GDXJ drawdown since its inception was -88.66%, which is greater than GNR's maximum drawdown of -51.37%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GDXJ and GNR.

Drawdown Indicators

	GDXJ	GNR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-88.66%	-51.37%	-37.29%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-39.47%	-7.97%	-31.50%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-39.47%	-21.15%	-18.32%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-49.76%	-25.66%	-24.10%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-57.77%	-48.59%	-9.18%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-33.25%	-3.91%	-29.34%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-60.45%	-14.93%	-45.52%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	14.41%	2.19%	+12.22%

Volatility

GDXJ vs. GNR - Volatility Comparison

VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF (GDXJ) has a higher volatility of 19.46% compared to SPDR S&P Global Natural Resources ETF (GNR) at 5.75%. This indicates that GDXJ's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than GNR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GDXJ	GNR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	19.46%	5.75%	+13.71%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	43.41%	13.87%	+29.54%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	51.54%	17.04%	+34.50%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	41.50%	20.33%	+21.17%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	44.23%	21.89%	+22.34%

GDXJ vs. GNR - Expense Ratio Comparison

GDXJ has a 0.52% expense ratio, which is higher than GNR's 0.40% expense ratio.

Dividends

GDXJ vs. GNR - Dividend Comparison

GDXJ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.54%, which matches GNR's 2.53% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GDXJ VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF	2.54%	2.33%	2.61%	0.72%	0.51%	1.78%	1.58%	0.39%	0.45%	0.03%	4.78%	0.72%
GNR SPDR S&P Global Natural Resources ETF	2.53%	2.76%	4.73%	3.37%	4.37%	3.44%	2.78%	3.84%	3.51%	2.40%	2.06%	4.59%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GDXJ and GNR in my portfolio?

GDXJ and GNR 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, GDXJ or GNR?

GDXJ has higher volatility (19.46%) compared to GNR (5.75%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GDXJ dropped -88.66% vs GNR's -51.37%.

Which ETF is better, GDXJ or GNR?

On 10-year performance, GDXJ leads with 12.00% vs 10.91% for GNR. On fees, GNR is cheaper at 0.40% per year. On volatility, GNR has been the lower-risk option at 5.75%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, GDXJ or GNR?

Over the 10-year period, GDXJ has performed better with a 12.00% return vs 10.91%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, GDXJ or GNR?

GNR is cheaper with a 0.40% expense ratio, compared with 0.52% for GDXJ.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, GDXJ or GNR?

GDXJ and GNR have nearly identical dividend yields, around 2.54%.

What is the main difference between GDXJ and GNR?

GDXJ is categorized as Gold, while GNR is Commodity Producers Equities. GDXJ tracks MVIS Global Junior Gold Miners Index, while GNR tracks S&P Global Natural Resources Index. They also come from different issuers: VanEck and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.52% for GDXJ and 0.40% for GNR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GNR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.12 vs 1.00), 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.