GLD vs. ARKB

Last updated Jun 16, 2026

GLD (SPDR Gold Shares) and ARKB (ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - GLD is a Gold fund tracking the LBMA Gold Price PM, while ARKB is a Cryptocurrency fund tracking the CME CF Bitcoin Reference Rate - New York Variant. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, GLD returned 25.38% vs -36.82% for ARKB. At a 0.15 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. GLD charges 0.40%/yr vs 0.21%/yr for ARKB.

Performance

GLD vs. ARKB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) and ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF (ARKB). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, GLD achieves a 0.06% return, which is significantly higher than ARKB's -23.93% return.

GLD

• 1D: 2.59%
• 1M: -4.97%
• YTD: 0.06%
• 6M: 0.19%
• 1Y: 25.38%
• 3Y*: 29.73%
• 5Y*: 18.31%
• 10Y*: 12.33%

ARKB

• 1D: 4.79%
• 1M: -15.85%
• YTD: -23.93%
• 6M: -22.44%
• 1Y: -36.82%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

GLD vs. ARKB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
GLD SPDR Gold Shares	0.06%	63.68%	29.14%
ARKB ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF	-23.93%	-6.59%	86.54%

Correlation

The correlation between GLD and ARKB is 0.23, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.23
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 11, 2024	0.15

Return for Risk

GLD vs. ARKB — Risk / Return Rank

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

GLD

GLD Risk / Return Rank: 27
GLD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 28
GLD Sortino Ratio Rank: 26
GLD Omega Ratio Rank: 31
GLD Calmar Ratio Rank: 24
GLD Martin Ratio Rank: 24

ARKB

ARKB Risk / Return Rank: 3
ARKB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 3
ARKB Sortino Ratio Rank: 3
ARKB Omega Ratio Rank: 3
ARKB Calmar Ratio Rank: 3
ARKB Martin Ratio Rank: 3

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. ARKB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) and ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF (ARKB). 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	ARKB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.93	-0.84	+1.77
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.30	-1.12	+2.42
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.19	0.87	+0.32
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.04	-0.71	+1.75
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.97	-1.24	+4.21

GLD vs. ARKB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GLD Sharpe Ratio is 0.93, which is higher than the ARKB Sharpe Ratio of -0.84. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GLD and ARKB, 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. ARKB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GLD drawdown since its inception was -45.56%, smaller than the maximum ARKB drawdown of -52.04%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GLD and ARKB.

Drawdown Indicators

	GLD	ARKB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-45.56%	-52.04%	+6.48%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-24.46%	-52.04%	+27.58%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-24.46%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.46%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-24.46%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-20.03%	-47.03%	+27.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-16.16%	-16.61%	+0.45%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	8.59%	29.75%	-21.16%

Volatility

GLD vs. ARKB - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) is 8.37%, while ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF (ARKB) has a volatility of 12.88%. This indicates that GLD experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than ARKB based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GLD	ARKB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.37%	12.88%	-4.51%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	24.21%	34.67%	-10.46%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	27.49%	44.23%	-16.74%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.26%	50.14%	-31.88%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.10%	50.14%	-34.04%

GLD vs. ARKB - Expense Ratio Comparison

GLD has a 0.40% expense ratio, which is higher than ARKB's 0.21% expense ratio.

Dividends

GLD vs. ARKB - Dividend Comparison

Neither GLD nor ARKB has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GLD and ARKB in my portfolio?

GLD and ARKB have a correlation of 0.23, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, GLD or ARKB?

ARKB has higher volatility (12.88%) compared to GLD (8.37%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GLD dropped -45.56% vs ARKB's -52.04%.

Which ETF is better, GLD or ARKB?

On 1-year performance, GLD leads with 25.38% vs -36.82% for ARKB. On fees, ARKB is cheaper at 0.21% per year. On volatility, GLD has been the lower-risk option at 8.37%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, GLD or ARKB?

Over the 1-year period, GLD has performed better with a 25.38% return vs -36.82%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, GLD or ARKB?

ARKB is cheaper with a 0.21% expense ratio, compared with 0.40% for GLD.

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

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

What is the main difference between GLD and ARKB?

GLD is categorized as Gold, while ARKB is Cryptocurrency. GLD tracks LBMA Gold Price PM, while ARKB tracks CME CF Bitcoin Reference Rate - New York Variant. They also come from different issuers: State Street and ARK. Their fees differ too: 0.40% for GLD and 0.21% for ARKB.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GLD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.93 vs -0.84), 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.