GLD vs. GLTR
GLD (SPDR Gold Shares) and GLTR (abrdn Physical Precious Metals Basket Shares ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - GLD is a Gold fund tracking the LBMA Gold Price PM, while GLTR is a Precious Metals fund tracking the ETFS Physical Precious Metals Basket Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, GLD returned 11.29%/yr vs 10.29%/yr for GLTR. Their correlation of 0.91 means they have usually moved in the same direction. GLD charges 0.40%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for GLTR.
Performance
GLD vs. GLTR - Performance Comparison
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Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, GLD achieves a -6.21% return, which is significantly higher than GLTR's -11.65% return. Over the past 10 years, GLD has outperformed GLTR with an annualized return of 11.29%, while GLTR has yielded a comparatively lower 10.29% annualized return.
GLD
- 1D
- 0.05%
- 1M
- -1.70%
- 6M
- -12.97%
- YTD
- -6.21%
- 1Y
- 20.25%
- 3Y*
- 27.30%
- 5Y*
- 17.00%
- 10Y*
- 11.29%
- ALL TIME*
- 10.28%
GLTR
- 1D
- 0.04%
- 1M
- -2.49%
- 6M
- -19.22%
- YTD
- -11.65%
- 1Y
- 29.01%
- 3Y*
- 27.11%
- 5Y*
- 13.64%
- 10Y*
- 10.29%
- ALL TIME*
- 5.70%
Liquidity Comparison
| Position | Avg. Volume Value (2W) | Avg. Volume Value (1M) | Avg. Volume Value (3M) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $2.42B | $2.35B | $2.72B | |
| $16.13M | $13.13M | $13.77M |
GLD vs. GLTR - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
GLD SPDR Gold Shares | -6.21% | 63.68% | 26.66% | 12.69% | -0.77% | -4.15% | 24.81% | 17.86% | -1.94% | 12.81% |
GLTR abrdn Physical Precious Metals Basket Shares ETF | -11.65% | 87.25% | 20.63% | 2.01% | -0.25% | -9.60% | 29.52% | 20.96% | -2.85% | 12.94% |
Correlation
The correlation between GLD and GLTR is 0.92, meaning they have usually moved in the same direction, including during past declines.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most. | 0.92 |
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history. | 0.92 |
Correlation (5Y) Shows whether the relationship held over a longer period. | 0.92 |
Correlation (10Y) Provides a long-term view across more market conditions. | 0.90 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 22, 2010 | 0.91 |
The correlation between GLD and GLTR has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.90 to 0.92 - a consistent structural relationship.
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Return for Risk
GLD vs. GLTR — Risk / Return Rank
GLD
GLTR
GLD vs. GLTR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) and abrdn Physical Precious Metals Basket Shares ETF (GLTR). 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 | GLTR | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | -0.01 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | -0.03 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.15 | 1.17 | -0.01 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 0.77 | 0.77 | 0.00 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 1.65 | 1.53 | +0.12 |
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Drawdowns
GLD vs. GLTR - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum GLD drawdown since its inception was -45.56%, smaller than the maximum GLTR drawdown of -55.70%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GLD and GLTR.
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Drawdown Indicators
| GLD | GLTR | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -45.56% | -55.70% | +10.14% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -26.40% | -37.87% | +11.47% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -26.40% | -37.87% | +11.47% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -26.40% | -37.87% | +11.47% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -26.40% | -37.87% | +11.47% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -25.04% | -36.32% | +11.28% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -16.21% | -28.88% | +12.67% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 12.29% | 18.97% | -6.68% |
Volatility
GLD vs. GLTR - Volatility Comparison
The current volatility for SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) is 6.05%, while abrdn Physical Precious Metals Basket Shares ETF (GLTR) has a volatility of 7.57%. This indicates that GLD experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than GLTR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
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Volatility by Period
| GLD | GLTR | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 6.05% | 7.57% | -1.52% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 20.95% | 28.26% | -7.31% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 28.11% | 39.57% | -11.46% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 18.49% | 24.19% | -5.70% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 16.14% | 20.81% | -4.67% |
GLD vs. GLTR - Expense Ratio Comparison
GLD has a 0.40% expense ratio, which is lower than GLTR's 0.60% expense ratio.
Dividends
GLD vs. GLTR - Dividend Comparison
Neither GLD nor GLTR has paid dividends to shareholders.
Frequently Asked Questions
With a correlation of 0.92, GLD and GLTR 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.
GLTR has higher volatility (7.57%) compared to GLD (6.05%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GLD dropped -45.56% vs GLTR's -55.70%.
On 10-year performance, GLD leads with 11.29% vs 10.29% for GLTR. On fees, GLD is cheaper at 0.40% per year. On volatility, GLD has been the lower-risk option at 6.05%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
Over the 10-year period, GLD has performed better with a 11.29% return vs 10.29%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.
GLD is cheaper with a 0.40% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for GLTR.
GLD and GLTR have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.
GLD is categorized as Gold, while GLTR is Precious Metals. GLD tracks LBMA Gold Price PM, while GLTR tracks ETFS Physical Precious Metals Basket Index. They also come from different issuers: State Street and abrdn. Their fees differ too: 0.40% for GLD and 0.60% for GLTR.
GLTR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.74 vs 0.72), 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.
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