GDXY vs. GDX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

GDXY (YieldMax Gold Miners Option Income Strategy ETF) and GDX (VanEck Gold Miners ETF) are both Gold funds. GDXY is actively managed, while GDX is passively managed. Over the past year, GDXY returned 23.68% vs 56.88% for GDX. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. GDXY charges 1.08%/yr vs 0.51%/yr for GDX.

Performance

GDXY vs. GDX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in YieldMax Gold Miners Option Income Strategy ETF (GDXY) and VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, GDXY achieves a -12.14% return, which is significantly lower than GDX's -5.05% return.

GDXY

• 1D: -1.54%
• 1M: -5.72%
• YTD: -12.14%
• 6M: -15.84%
• 1Y: 23.68%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

GDX

• 1D: -1.30%
• 1M: -4.21%
• YTD: -5.05%
• 6M: -9.69%
• 1Y: 56.88%
• 3Y*: 41.48%
• 5Y*: 20.52%
• 10Y*: 12.89%

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

GDXY vs. GDX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
GDXY YieldMax Gold Miners Option Income Strategy ETF	-12.14%	88.08%	-11.84%
GDX VanEck Gold Miners ETF	-5.05%	154.77%	-7.87%

Correlation

The correlation between GDXY and GDX is 0.98 - 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	0.98
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 21, 2024	0.97

The correlation between GDXY and GDX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.97 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

GDXY vs. GDX — Risk / Return Rank

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

GDXY

GDXY Risk / Return Rank: 18
GDXY Sharpe Ratio Rank: 18
GDXY Sortino Ratio Rank: 18
GDXY Omega Ratio Rank: 20
GDXY Calmar Ratio Rank: 17
GDXY Martin Ratio Rank: 17

GDX

GDX Risk / Return Rank: 32
GDX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 34
GDX Sortino Ratio Rank: 31
GDX Omega Ratio Rank: 34
GDX Calmar Ratio Rank: 32
GDX Martin Ratio Rank: 30

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.

GDXY vs. GDX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for YieldMax Gold Miners Option Income Strategy ETF (GDXY) and VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX). 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.

	GDXY	GDX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.62	1.21	-0.59
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.97	1.63	-0.66
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.14	1.22	-0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.70	1.58	-0.88
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.88	4.19	-2.31

GDXY vs. GDX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GDXY Sharpe Ratio is 0.62, which is lower than the GDX Sharpe Ratio of 1.21. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GDXY and GDX, 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

GDXY vs. GDX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GDXY drawdown since its inception was -34.16%, smaller than the maximum GDX drawdown of -80.34%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GDXY and GDX.

Drawdown Indicators

	GDXY	GDX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-34.16%	-80.34%	+46.18%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-34.16%	-36.28%	+2.12%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-36.28%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-46.51%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-49.79%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-29.47%	-29.70%	+0.23%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.92%	-40.40%	+33.48%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	12.64%	13.62%	-0.98%

Volatility

GDXY vs. GDX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for YieldMax Gold Miners Option Income Strategy ETF (GDXY) is 13.89%, while VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX) has a volatility of 17.03%. This indicates that GDXY experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than GDX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GDXY	GDX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	13.89%	17.03%	-3.14%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	33.03%	39.77%	-6.74%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	38.47%	47.49%	-9.02%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	32.48%	36.83%	-4.35%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	32.48%	37.39%	-4.91%

GDXY vs. GDX - Expense Ratio Comparison

GDXY has a 1.08% expense ratio, which is higher than GDX's 0.51% expense ratio.

Dividends

GDXY vs. GDX - Dividend Comparison

GDXY's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 75.51%, more than GDX's 0.78% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GDX VanEck Gold Miners ETF	0.78%	0.74%	1.19%	1.61%	1.66%	1.67%	0.53%	0.67%	0.50%	0.76%	0.26%	0.85%
GDXY YieldMax Gold Miners Option Income Strategy ETF	75.51%	52.13%	23.91%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GDXY and GDX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.98, GDXY and GDX 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, GDXY or GDX?

GDX has higher volatility (17.03%) compared to GDXY (13.89%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GDXY dropped -34.16% vs GDX's -80.34%.

Which ETF is better, GDXY or GDX?

On 1-year performance, GDX leads with 56.88% vs 23.68% for GDXY. On fees, GDX is cheaper at 0.51% per year. On volatility, GDXY has been the lower-risk option at 13.89%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, GDXY or GDX?

Over the 1-year period, GDX has performed better with a 56.88% return vs 23.68%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, GDXY or GDX?

GDX is cheaper with a 0.51% expense ratio, compared with 1.08% for GDXY.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, GDXY or GDX?

GDXY has the higher dividend yield at 75.51%, compared with 0.78% for GDX.

What is the main difference between GDXY and GDX?

They also come from different issuers: YieldMax and VanEck. Their fees differ too: 1.08% for GDXY and 0.51% for GDX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GDX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.21 vs 0.62), 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.