GDXY vs. GDXJ

Last updated Aug 6, 2026

GDXY (YieldMax Gold Miners Option Income Strategy ETF) and GDXJ (VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF) are both Gold funds. GDXY is actively managed, while GDXJ is passively managed. Over the past year, GDXY returned 20.32% vs 60.97% for GDXJ. Their 0.96 correlation means they have historically moved very closely together. GDXY charges 1.08%/yr vs 0.52%/yr for GDXJ.

Performance

GDXY vs. GDXJ - 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 Junior Gold Miners ETF (GDXJ). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, GDXY achieves a -10.00% return, which is significantly lower than GDXJ's -3.78% return.

GDXY

• 1D: 6.33%
• 1M: 5.20%
• 6M: -17.63%
• YTD: -10.00%
• 1Y: 20.32%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 19.89%

GDXJ

• 1D: 7.42%
• 1M: 5.36%
• 6M: -16.01%
• YTD: -3.78%
• 1Y: 60.97%
• 3Y*: 48.19%
• 5Y*: 22.14%
• 10Y*: 9.99%
• ALL TIME*: 2.41%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
GDXJ VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF	$528.78M	$478.21M	$618.94M
GDXY YieldMax Gold Miners Option Income Strategy ETF	$5.19M	$4.51M	$7.57M

GDXY vs. GDXJ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
GDXY YieldMax Gold Miners Option Income Strategy ETF	-10.00%	88.08%	-11.84%
GDXJ VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF	-3.78%	172.28%	-6.58%

Correlation

The correlation between GDXY and GDXJ is 0.97 - they have historically moved very closely together. At this level, their price movements offset little of one another.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.97
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 21, 2024	0.96

The correlation between GDXY and GDXJ has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.96 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

GDXY vs. GDXJ — Risk / Return Rank

Compare historical risk-adjusted metric ranks over the past 12 months.

GDXY

GDXY Risk / Return Rank: 20
GDXY Sharpe Ratio Rank: 21
GDXY Sortino Ratio Rank: 21
GDXY Omega Ratio Rank: 24
GDXY Calmar Ratio Rank: 19
GDXY Martin Ratio Rank: 18

GDXJ

GDXJ Risk / Return Rank: 37
GDXJ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 39
GDXJ Sortino Ratio Rank: 37
GDXJ Omega Ratio Rank: 39
GDXJ Calmar Ratio Rank: 37
GDXJ Martin Ratio Rank: 30

The rank (0–100) uses a weighted average of the Sharpe, Sortino, Omega, Calmar, and Martin percentile ranks for the trailing 12 months. Higher means stronger historical risk-adjusted performance within the peer group.

GDXY vs. GDXJ - 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 Junior Gold Miners ETF (GDXJ). 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	GDXJ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.51	1.13	-0.62
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.87	1.60	-0.73
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.12	1.21	-0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.55	1.48	-0.93
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.17	3.09	-1.92

GDXY vs. GDXJ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GDXY Sharpe Ratio is 0.51, which is lower than the GDXJ Sharpe Ratio of 1.13. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GDXY and GDXJ, 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. GDXJ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GDXY drawdown since its inception was -36.99%, smaller than the maximum GDXJ drawdown of -88.66%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GDXY and GDXJ.

Drawdown Indicators

	GDXY	GDXJ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-36.99%	-88.66%	+51.67%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-36.99%	-41.32%	+4.33%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-41.32%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-48.79%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-57.77%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-27.75%	-29.91%	+2.16%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.43%	-60.24%	+51.81%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	17.36%	19.78%	-2.42%

Volatility

GDXY vs. GDXJ - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for YieldMax Gold Miners Option Income Strategy ETF (GDXY) is 11.06%, while VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF (GDXJ) has a volatility of 15.60%. This indicates that GDXY experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than GDXJ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GDXY	GDXJ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	11.06%	15.60%	-4.54%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	31.66%	42.81%	-11.15%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	39.84%	54.38%	-14.54%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	32.81%	42.25%	-9.44%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	32.81%	44.26%	-11.45%

GDXY vs. GDXJ - Expense Ratio Comparison

GDXY has a 1.08% expense ratio, which is higher than GDXJ's 0.52% expense ratio.

Dividends

GDXY vs. GDXJ - Dividend Comparison

GDXY's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 79.35%, more than GDXJ's 2.42% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GDXJ VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF	2.42%	2.33%	2.61%	0.72%	0.51%	1.78%	1.58%	0.39%	0.45%	0.03%	4.78%	0.72%
GDXY YieldMax Gold Miners Option Income Strategy ETF	79.35%	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 GDXJ in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.97, GDXY and GDXJ 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 GDXJ?

GDXJ has higher volatility (15.60%) compared to GDXY (11.06%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GDXY dropped -36.99% vs GDXJ's -88.66%.

Which ETF is better, GDXY or GDXJ?

On 1-year performance, GDXJ leads with 60.97% vs 20.32% for GDXY. On fees, GDXJ is cheaper at 0.52% per year. On volatility, GDXY has been the lower-risk option at 11.06%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, GDXY or GDXJ?

Over the 1-year period, GDXJ has performed better with a 60.97% return vs 20.32%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, GDXY or GDXJ?

GDXJ is cheaper with a 0.52% expense ratio, compared with 1.08% for GDXY.

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

GDXY has the higher dividend yield at 79.35%, compared with 2.42% for GDXJ.

What is the main difference between GDXY and GDXJ?

They also come from different issuers: YieldMax and VanEck. Their fees differ too: 1.08% for GDXY and 0.52% for GDXJ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GDXJ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.13 vs 0.51), 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.