GLD vs. AAAU

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

GLD (SPDR Gold Shares) and AAAU (Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF) are both Gold funds - GLD tracks the LBMA Gold Price PM while AAAU tracks the LBMA Gold PM Price. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, GLD returned 17.04%/yr vs 17.28%/yr for AAAU. With a 0.99 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. GLD charges 0.40%/yr vs 0.18%/yr for AAAU.

Performance

GLD vs. AAAU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) and Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF (AAAU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with GLD having a -7.67% return and AAAU slightly higher at -7.64%.

GLD

• 1D: -3.02%
• 1M: -11.58%
• YTD: -7.67%
• 6M: -11.17%
• 1Y: 19.51%
• 3Y*: 27.10%
• 5Y*: 17.04%
• 10Y*: 11.25%

AAAU

• 1D: -3.03%
• 1M: -11.57%
• YTD: -7.64%
• 6M: -11.09%
• 1Y: 19.69%
• 3Y*: 27.36%
• 5Y*: 17.28%
• 10Y*: —

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

GLD vs. AAAU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
GLD SPDR Gold Shares	-7.67%	63.68%	26.66%	12.69%	-0.77%	-4.15%	24.81%	17.86%	7.23%
AAAU Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF	-7.64%	64.06%	26.91%	12.96%	-0.50%	-4.01%	25.02%	18.17%	8.28%

Correlation

The correlation between GLD and AAAU is 1.00 - 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	1.00
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	1.00
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	1.00
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 15, 2018	0.99

The correlation between GLD and AAAU has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.99 to 1.00 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

GLD vs. AAAU — Risk / Return Rank

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

GLD

GLD Risk / Return Rank: 21
GLD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 21
GLD Sortino Ratio Rank: 20
GLD Omega Ratio Rank: 23
GLD Calmar Ratio Rank: 18
GLD Martin Ratio Rank: 19

AAAU

AAAU Risk / Return Rank: 21
AAAU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 22
AAAU Sortino Ratio Rank: 20
AAAU Omega Ratio Rank: 24
AAAU Calmar Ratio Rank: 18
AAAU Martin Ratio Rank: 20

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.

GLD vs. AAAU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) and Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF (AAAU). 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.

	GLD	AAAU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.71	0.72	-0.01
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.05	1.06	-0.02
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.15	1.16	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.75	0.76	-0.01
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.12	2.15	-0.03

GLD vs. AAAU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GLD Sharpe Ratio is 0.71, which is comparable to the AAAU Sharpe Ratio of 0.72. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GLD and AAAU, 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

GLD vs. AAAU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GLD drawdown since its inception was -45.56%, which is greater than AAAU's maximum drawdown of -26.14%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GLD and AAAU.

Drawdown Indicators

	GLD	AAAU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-45.56%	-26.14%	-19.42%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-26.21%	-26.14%	-0.07%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.21%	-26.14%	-0.07%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-26.21%	-26.14%	-0.07%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-26.21%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-26.21%	-26.14%	-0.07%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-16.17%	-6.29%	-9.88%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	9.24%	9.19%	+0.05%

Volatility

GLD vs. AAAU - Volatility Comparison

SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) and Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF (AAAU) have volatilities of 8.58% and 8.57%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GLD	AAAU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.58%	8.57%	+0.01%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	24.57%	24.35%	+0.22%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	27.75%	27.48%	+0.27%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.30%	18.13%	+0.17%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.07%	17.19%	-1.12%

GLD vs. AAAU - Expense Ratio Comparison

GLD has a 0.40% expense ratio, which is higher than AAAU's 0.18% expense ratio.

Dividends

GLD vs. AAAU - Dividend Comparison

Neither GLD nor AAAU has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GLD and AAAU in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 1.00, GLD and AAAU 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, GLD or AAAU?

GLD has higher volatility (8.58%) compared to AAAU (8.57%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GLD dropped -45.56% vs AAAU's -26.14%.

Which ETF is better, GLD or AAAU?

On 5-year performance, AAAU leads with 17.28% vs 17.04% for GLD. On fees, AAAU is cheaper at 0.18% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, GLD or AAAU?

Over the 5-year period, AAAU has performed better with a 17.28% return vs 17.04%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, GLD or AAAU?

AAAU is cheaper with a 0.18% expense ratio, compared with 0.40% for GLD.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, GLD or AAAU?

GLD and AAAU have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between GLD and AAAU?

GLD tracks LBMA Gold Price PM, while AAAU tracks LBMA Gold PM Price. They also come from different issuers: State Street and Goldman Sachs. Their fees differ too: 0.40% for GLD and 0.18% for AAAU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AAAU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.72 vs 0.71), 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.