GLD vs. PANW

Last updated Jun 9, 2026

GLD (SPDR Gold Shares) is Gold fund tracking the LBMA Gold Price PM, while PANW (Palo Alto Networks, Inc.) is a stock. Over the past 10 years, GLD returned 12.56%/yr vs 28.39%/yr for PANW. At a correlation of -0.00, they often move in opposite directions.

Performance

GLD vs. PANW - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) and Palo Alto Networks, Inc. (PANW). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, GLD achieves a 0.24% return, which is significantly lower than PANW's 44.59% return. Over the past 10 years, GLD has underperformed PANW with an annualized return of 12.56%, while PANW has yielded a comparatively higher 28.39% annualized return.

GLD

• 1D: 0.26%
• 1M: -8.41%
• YTD: 0.24%
• 6M: 3.07%
• 1Y: 30.18%
• 3Y*: 29.71%
• 5Y*: 17.55%
• 10Y*: 12.56%

PANW

• 1D: -2.10%
• 1M: 28.12%
• YTD: 44.59%
• 6M: 36.33%
• 1Y: 33.43%
• 3Y*: 34.26%
• 5Y*: 35.30%
• 10Y*: 28.39%

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

GLD vs. PANW - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
GLD SPDR Gold Shares	0.24%	63.68%	26.66%	12.69%	-0.77%	-4.15%	24.81%	17.86%	-1.94%	12.81%
PANW Palo Alto Networks, Inc.	44.59%	1.23%	23.41%	111.32%	-24.81%	56.66%	53.68%	22.78%	29.95%	15.91%

Correlation

The correlation between GLD and PANW is 0.01, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.01
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.00
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.02
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.02
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 23, 2012	-0.00

Return for Risk

GLD vs. PANW — Risk / Return Rank

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

GLD

GLD Risk / Return Rank: 33
GLD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 34
GLD Sortino Ratio Rank: 31
GLD Omega Ratio Rank: 38
GLD Calmar Ratio Rank: 34
GLD Martin Ratio Rank: 29

PANW

PANW Risk / Return Rank: 64
PANW Sharpe Ratio Rank: 70
PANW Sortino Ratio Rank: 64
PANW Omega Ratio Rank: 63
PANW Calmar Ratio Rank: 62
PANW Martin Ratio Rank: 62

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. PANW - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) and Palo Alto Networks, Inc. (PANW). 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	PANW	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.13	0.87	+0.26
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.51	1.35	+0.16
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.23	1.18	+0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.51	0.93	+0.58
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.78	2.12	+1.66
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. PANW - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GLD Sharpe Ratio is 1.13, which is comparable to the PANW Sharpe Ratio of 0.87. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GLD and PANW, 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	PANW	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.13	0.87	+0.26
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.98	0.85	+0.12
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.79	0.74	+0.05
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.59	0.71	-0.12

Drawdowns

GLD vs. PANW - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GLD drawdown since its inception was -45.56%, smaller than the maximum PANW drawdown of -47.98%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GLD and PANW.

Drawdown Indicators

	GLD	PANW	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-45.56%	-47.98%	+2.42%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-20.10%	-36.01%	+15.91%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.10%	-36.01%	+15.91%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-21.03%	-36.01%	+14.98%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-22.00%	-47.98%	+25.98%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-19.89%	-11.37%	-8.52%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-16.16%	-14.69%	-1.47%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	8.01%	15.82%	-7.81%

Volatility

GLD vs. PANW - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) is 5.68%, while Palo Alto Networks, Inc. (PANW) has a volatility of 17.10%. This indicates that GLD experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than PANW based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GLD	PANW	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.68%	17.10%	-11.42%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	23.47%	31.83%	-8.36%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	26.87%	38.54%	-11.67%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.07%	41.65%	-23.58%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.99%	38.59%	-22.60%

Dividends

GLD vs. PANW - Dividend Comparison

Neither GLD nor PANW has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GLD and PANW in my portfolio?

GLD and PANW have a correlation of 0.01, 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 PANW?

PANW has higher volatility (17.10%) compared to GLD (5.68%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GLD dropped -45.56% vs PANW's -47.98%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GLD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.13 vs 0.87), 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.