GGN vs. CEF

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

GGN (GAMCO Global Gold, Natural Resources and Income Trust) and CEF (Sprott Physical Gold and Silver Trust) are both Gold funds. Over the past 10 years, GGN returned 8.21%/yr vs 11.67%/yr for CEF. A 0.50 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. GGN charges 0.01%/yr vs 0.48%/yr for CEF.

Performance

GGN vs. CEF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in GAMCO Global Gold, Natural Resources and Income Trust (GGN) and Sprott Physical Gold and Silver Trust (CEF). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, GGN achieves a -2.80% return, which is significantly higher than CEF's -9.78% return. Over the past 10 years, GGN has underperformed CEF with an annualized return of 8.21%, while CEF has yielded a comparatively higher 11.67% annualized return.

GGN

• 1D: -2.02%
• 1M: -5.25%
• YTD: -2.80%
• 6M: -5.19%
• 1Y: 16.41%
• 3Y*: 19.60%
• 5Y*: 13.57%
• 10Y*: 8.21%

CEF

• 1D: -3.46%
• 1M: -12.70%
• YTD: -9.78%
• 6M: -12.85%
• 1Y: 35.34%
• 3Y*: 32.09%
• 5Y*: 17.15%
• 10Y*: 11.67%

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

GGN vs. CEF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
GGN GAMCO Global Gold, Natural Resources and Income Trust	-2.80%	48.19%	9.59%	15.01%	6.80%	17.41%	-8.62%	36.59%	-19.53%	9.54%
CEF Sprott Physical Gold and Silver Trust	-9.78%	92.76%	24.07%	6.80%	1.07%	-8.32%	31.99%	16.91%	-6.34%	18.78%

Correlation

The correlation between GGN and CEF is 0.69, 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	0.69
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.59
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.56
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.50
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 29, 2005	0.50

The correlation between GGN and CEF shifts across timeframes, from 0.50 (all time) to 0.69 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

GGN vs. CEF — Risk / Return Rank

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

GGN

GGN Risk / Return Rank: 10
GGN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 9
GGN Sortino Ratio Rank: 9
GGN Omega Ratio Rank: 10
GGN Calmar Ratio Rank: 11
GGN Martin Ratio Rank: 10

CEF

CEF Risk / Return Rank: 13
CEF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 12
CEF Sortino Ratio Rank: 12
CEF Omega Ratio Rank: 16
CEF Calmar Ratio Rank: 13
CEF Martin Ratio Rank: 11

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.

GGN vs. CEF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for GAMCO Global Gold, Natural Resources and Income Trust (GGN) and Sprott Physical Gold and Silver Trust (CEF). 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.

	GGN	CEF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.70	0.91	-0.21
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.03	1.28	-0.25
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.14	1.19	-0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.98	1.18	-0.19
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.71	2.94	-0.22

GGN vs. CEF - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GGN Sharpe Ratio is 0.70, which is comparable to the CEF Sharpe Ratio of 0.91. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GGN and CEF, 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

GGN vs. CEF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GGN drawdown since its inception was -73.04%, which is greater than CEF's maximum drawdown of -62.29%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GGN and CEF.

Drawdown Indicators

	GGN	CEF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-73.04%	-62.29%	-10.75%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.80%	-30.21%	+13.41%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.80%	-30.21%	+13.41%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-22.08%	-30.21%	+8.13%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-53.04%	-30.21%	-22.83%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-15.19%	-30.21%	+15.02%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-31.74%	-27.33%	-4.41%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.07%	12.06%	-5.99%

Volatility

GGN vs. CEF - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for GAMCO Global Gold, Natural Resources and Income Trust (GGN) is 7.17%, while Sprott Physical Gold and Silver Trust (CEF) has a volatility of 10.98%. This indicates that GGN experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than CEF based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GGN	CEF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.17%	10.98%	-3.81%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	19.58%	36.46%	-16.88%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	23.69%	39.22%	-15.53%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.20%	24.62%	-5.42%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.10%	22.02%	+1.08%

GGN vs. CEF - Expense Ratio Comparison

GGN has a 0.02% expense ratio, which is lower than CEF's 0.48% expense ratio.

Dividends

GGN vs. CEF - Dividend Comparison

GGN's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 7.42%, while CEF has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
CEF Sprott Physical Gold and Silver Trust	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.08%	0.07%	0.09%	0.10%
GGN GAMCO Global Gold, Natural Resources and Income Trust	7.42%	6.98%	9.55%	10.37%	9.92%	9.60%	13.68%	13.64%	16.22%	11.52%	15.85%	17.68%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GGN and CEF in my portfolio?

GGN and CEF have a correlation of 0.69, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, GGN or CEF?

CEF has higher volatility (10.98%) compared to GGN (7.17%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GGN dropped -73.04% vs CEF's -62.29%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

CEF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.91 vs 0.70), 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.