GDXJ vs. XTL

Last updated Jun 16, 2026

GDXJ (VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF) and XTL (SPDR S&P Telecom ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - GDXJ is a Gold fund tracking the MVIS Global Junior Gold Miners Index, while XTL is a Communications Equities fund tracking the S&P Telecom Select Industry Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, GDXJ returned 12.49%/yr vs 16.10%/yr for XTL. At a 0.20 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. GDXJ charges 0.52%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for XTL.

Performance

GDXJ vs. XTL - 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 Telecom ETF (XTL). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, GDXJ achieves a -1.67% return, which is significantly lower than XTL's 51.46% return. Over the past 10 years, GDXJ has underperformed XTL with an annualized return of 12.49%, while XTL has yielded a comparatively higher 16.10% annualized return.

GDXJ

• 1D: 7.31%
• 1M: -3.86%
• YTD: -1.67%
• 6M: 1.67%
• 1Y: 60.69%
• 3Y*: 47.07%
• 5Y*: 18.78%
• 10Y*: 12.49%

XTL

• 1D: 0.12%
• 1M: 2.37%
• YTD: 51.46%
• 6M: 55.42%
• 1Y: 120.69%
• 3Y*: 45.66%
• 5Y*: 19.06%
• 10Y*: 16.10%

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

GDXJ vs. XTL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
GDXJ VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF	-1.67%	172.28%	15.67%	7.12%	-14.53%	-21.25%	30.40%	40.44%	-11.02%	8.22%
XTL SPDR S&P Telecom ETF	51.46%	44.95%	34.89%	-1.17%	-19.18%	21.58%	22.46%	12.51%	-6.60%	0.56%

Correlation

The correlation between GDXJ and XTL is 0.35, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.35
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.30
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.30
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.21
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 27, 2011	0.20

The correlation between GDXJ and XTL shifts across timeframes, from 0.20 (all time) to 0.35 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

GDXJ vs. XTL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	GDXJ	XTL
Basic Materials	100.0%	-
Communication Services	-	35.0%
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	-
Real Estate	-	2.3%
Technology	-	62.7%
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

GDXJ vs. XTL — Risk / Return Rank

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

GDXJ

GDXJ Risk / Return Rank: 34
GDXJ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 36
GDXJ Sortino Ratio Rank: 33
GDXJ Omega Ratio Rank: 37
GDXJ Calmar Ratio Rank: 34
GDXJ Martin Ratio Rank: 32

XTL

XTL Risk / Return Rank: 95
XTL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 97
XTL Sortino Ratio Rank: 94
XTL Omega Ratio Rank: 93
XTL Calmar Ratio Rank: 96
XTL Martin Ratio Rank: 96

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. XTL - 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 Telecom ETF (XTL). 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	XTL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.17	4.04	-2.87
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.62	4.39	-2.77
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.22	1.58	-0.36
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.55	8.26	-6.71
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.21	34.62	-30.41

GDXJ vs. XTL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GDXJ Sharpe Ratio is 1.17, which is lower than the XTL Sharpe Ratio of 4.04. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GDXJ and XTL, 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. XTL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GDXJ drawdown since its inception was -88.66%, which is greater than XTL's maximum drawdown of -37.01%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GDXJ and XTL.

Drawdown Indicators

	GDXJ	XTL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-88.66%	-37.01%	-51.65%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-39.47%	-14.70%	-24.77%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-39.47%	-22.79%	-16.68%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-48.79%	-37.01%	-11.78%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-57.77%	-37.01%	-20.76%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-28.37%	-6.61%	-21.76%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-60.44%	-9.76%	-50.68%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	14.52%	3.50%	+11.02%

Volatility

GDXJ vs. XTL - Volatility Comparison

VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF (GDXJ) has a higher volatility of 20.97% compared to SPDR S&P Telecom ETF (XTL) at 11.24%. This indicates that GDXJ's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than XTL based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GDXJ	XTL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	20.97%	11.24%	+9.73%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	43.85%	24.21%	+19.64%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	52.08%	30.10%	+21.98%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	41.64%	25.35%	+16.29%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	44.27%	23.67%	+20.60%

GDXJ vs. XTL - Expense Ratio Comparison

GDXJ has a 0.52% expense ratio, which is higher than XTL's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

GDXJ vs. XTL - Dividend Comparison

GDXJ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.37%, more than XTL's 0.86% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GDXJ VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF	2.37%	2.33%	2.61%	0.72%	0.51%	1.78%	1.58%	0.39%	0.45%	0.03%	4.78%	0.72%
XTL SPDR S&P Telecom ETF	0.86%	1.05%	0.62%	0.80%	0.74%	1.25%	0.88%	0.92%	1.90%	2.08%	1.11%	1.38%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GDXJ and XTL in my portfolio?

GDXJ and XTL have a correlation of 0.35, 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 XTL?

GDXJ has higher volatility (20.97%) compared to XTL (11.24%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GDXJ dropped -88.66% vs XTL's -37.01%.

Which ETF is better, GDXJ or XTL?

On 10-year performance, XTL leads with 16.10% vs 12.49% for GDXJ. On fees, XTL is cheaper at 0.35% per year. On volatility, XTL has been the lower-risk option at 11.24%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, GDXJ or XTL?

Over the 10-year period, XTL has performed better with a 16.10% return vs 12.49%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, GDXJ or XTL?

XTL is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.52% for GDXJ.

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

GDXJ has the higher dividend yield at 2.37%, compared with 0.86% for XTL.

What is the main difference between GDXJ and XTL?

GDXJ is categorized as Gold, while XTL is Communications Equities. GDXJ tracks MVIS Global Junior Gold Miners Index, while XTL tracks S&P Telecom Select Industry Index. They also come from different issuers: VanEck and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.52% for GDXJ and 0.35% for XTL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XTL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (4.04 vs 1.17), 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.