GLD vs. GBUG

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

GLD (SPDR Gold Shares) and GBUG (Sprott Active Gold & Silver Miners ETF) are both Gold funds. GLD is passively managed, while GBUG is actively managed. Over the past year, GLD returned 32.04% vs 61.69% for GBUG. A 0.78 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. GLD charges 0.40%/yr vs 0.89%/yr for GBUG.

Performance

GLD vs. GBUG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) and Sprott Active Gold & Silver Miners ETF (GBUG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, GLD achieves a 2.92% return, which is significantly higher than GBUG's -2.59% return.

GLD

• 1D: -0.99%
• 1M: -1.65%
• YTD: 2.92%
• 6M: 5.43%
• 1Y: 32.04%
• 3Y*: 31.09%
• 5Y*: 18.15%
• 10Y*: 13.12%

GBUG

• 1D: -3.86%
• 1M: -0.28%
• YTD: -2.59%
• 6M: 6.69%
• 1Y: 61.69%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

GLD vs. GBUG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
GLD SPDR Gold Shares	2.92%	46.25%
GBUG Sprott Active Gold & Silver Miners ETF	-2.59%	119.00%

Correlation

The correlation between GLD and GBUG is 0.78, 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	0.78
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 21, 2025	0.78

The correlation between GLD and GBUG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.78 to 0.78 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

GLD vs. GBUG — Risk / Return Rank

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

GLD

GLD Risk / Return Rank: 32
GLD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 32
GLD Sortino Ratio Rank: 29
GLD Omega Ratio Rank: 35
GLD Calmar Ratio Rank: 33
GLD Martin Ratio Rank: 28

GBUG

GBUG Risk / Return Rank: 35
GBUG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 36
GBUG Sortino Ratio Rank: 32
GBUG Omega Ratio Rank: 36
GBUG Calmar Ratio Rank: 39
GBUG Martin Ratio Rank: 33

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. GBUG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) and Sprott Active Gold & Silver Miners ETF (GBUG). 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.

	GLD	GBUG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.21	1.30	-0.09
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.60	1.72	-0.11
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.24	1.24	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.68	1.93	-0.26
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.15	4.98	-0.83
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

GLD vs. GBUG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GLD Sharpe Ratio is 1.21, which is comparable to the GBUG Sharpe Ratio of 1.30. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GLD and GBUG, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	GLD	GBUG	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.21	1.30	-0.09
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	1.01	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.83	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.60	1.71	-1.11

Drawdowns

GLD vs. GBUG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GLD drawdown since its inception was -45.56%, which is greater than GBUG's maximum drawdown of -32.10%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GLD and GBUG.

Drawdown Indicators

	GLD	GBUG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-45.56%	-32.10%	-13.46%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-19.21%	-32.10%	+12.89%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.21%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-21.03%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-22.00%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-17.75%	-26.84%	+9.09%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-16.16%	-7.62%	-8.54%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	7.73%	12.42%	-4.69%

Volatility

GLD vs. GBUG - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) is 5.51%, while Sprott Active Gold & Silver Miners ETF (GBUG) has a volatility of 15.39%. This indicates that GLD experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than GBUG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GLD	GBUG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.51%	15.39%	-9.88%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	23.16%	39.40%	-16.24%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	26.61%	47.61%	-21.00%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.00%	47.38%	-29.38%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.95%	47.38%	-31.43%

GLD vs. GBUG - Expense Ratio Comparison

GLD has a 0.40% expense ratio, which is lower than GBUG's 0.89% expense ratio.

Dividends

GLD vs. GBUG - Dividend Comparison

GLD has not paid dividends to shareholders, while GBUG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.60%.

Position	TTM	2025
GBUG Sprott Active Gold & Silver Miners ETF	1.60%	1.56%
GLD SPDR Gold Shares	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GLD and GBUG in my portfolio?

GLD and GBUG have a correlation of 0.78, 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 GBUG?

GBUG has higher volatility (15.39%) compared to GLD (5.51%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GLD dropped -45.56% vs GBUG's -32.10%.

Which ETF is better, GLD or GBUG?

On 1-year performance, GBUG leads with 61.69% vs 32.04% for GLD. On fees, GLD is cheaper at 0.40% per year. On volatility, GLD has been the lower-risk option at 5.51%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, GLD or GBUG?

Over the 1-year period, GBUG has performed better with a 61.69% return vs 32.04%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, GLD or GBUG?

GLD is cheaper with a 0.40% expense ratio, compared with 0.89% for GBUG.

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

GBUG has the higher dividend yield at 1.60%, compared with 0.00% for GLD.

What is the main difference between GLD and GBUG?

They also come from different issuers: State Street and Sprott. Their fees differ too: 0.40% for GLD and 0.89% for GBUG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GBUG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.30 vs 1.21), 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.