GLD vs. PHYS
GLD (SPDR Gold Shares) is Gold fund tracking the LBMA Gold Price PM, while PHYS (Sprott Physical Gold Trust) is a stock. Over the past 10 years, GLD returned 11.05%/yr vs 10.41%/yr for PHYS. Their correlation of 0.94 means they have usually moved in the same direction.
Performance
GLD vs. PHYS - Performance Comparison
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Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, GLD achieves a -6.25% return, which is significantly higher than PHYS's -7.36% return. Over the past 10 years, GLD has outperformed PHYS with an annualized return of 11.05%, while PHYS has yielded a comparatively lower 10.41% annualized return.
GLD
- 1D
- -1.49%
- 1M
- -1.74%
- 6M
- -16.50%
- YTD
- -6.25%
- 1Y
- 20.20%
- 3Y*
- 27.22%
- 5Y*
- 16.95%
- 10Y*
- 11.05%
- ALL TIME*
- 10.28%
PHYS
- 1D
- -1.61%
- 1M
- -1.58%
- 6M
- -16.10%
- YTD
- -7.36%
- 1Y
- 19.21%
- 3Y*
- 26.62%
- 5Y*
- 16.33%
- 10Y*
- 10.41%
- ALL TIME*
- 7.28%
Liquidity Comparison
| Position | Avg. Volume Value (2W) | Avg. Volume Value (1M) | Avg. Volume Value (3M) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $2.38B | $2.40B | $2.72B | |
| $99.27M | $92.43M | $105.75M |
GLD vs. PHYS - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
GLD SPDR Gold Shares | -6.25% | 63.68% | 26.66% | 12.69% | -0.77% | -4.15% | 24.81% | 17.86% | -1.94% | 12.81% |
PHYS Sprott Physical Gold Trust | -7.36% | 63.95% | 26.43% | 12.98% | -1.81% | -4.84% | 23.89% | 18.14% | -2.64% | 12.78% |
Correlation
The correlation between GLD and PHYS is 0.99 - they have historically moved very closely together. At this level, their price movements offset little of one another.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most. | 0.99 |
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history. | 0.99 |
Correlation (5Y) Shows whether the relationship held over a longer period. | 0.98 |
Correlation (10Y) Provides a long-term view across more market conditions. | 0.96 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 26, 2010 | 0.94 |
The correlation between GLD and PHYS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.94 to 0.99 - a consistent structural relationship.
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Return for Risk
GLD vs. PHYS — Risk / Return Rank
GLD
PHYS
GLD vs. PHYS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) and Sprott Physical Gold Trust (PHYS). 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 | PHYS | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | +0.06 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | +0.08 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.17 | 1.16 | +0.01 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 0.86 | 0.81 | +0.05 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 1.86 | 1.75 | +0.11 |
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Drawdowns
GLD vs. PHYS - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum GLD drawdown since its inception was -45.56%, smaller than the maximum PHYS drawdown of -48.16%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GLD and PHYS.
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Drawdown Indicators
| GLD | PHYS | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -45.56% | -48.16% | +2.60% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -26.40% | -26.75% | +0.35% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -26.40% | -26.75% | +0.35% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -26.40% | -26.75% | +0.35% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -26.40% | -26.75% | +0.35% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -25.08% | -25.26% | +0.18% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -16.21% | -21.02% | +4.81% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 12.18% | 12.35% | -0.17% |
Volatility
GLD vs. PHYS - Volatility Comparison
SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) and Sprott Physical Gold Trust (PHYS) have volatilities of 6.40% and 6.62%, 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.
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Volatility by Period
| GLD | PHYS | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 6.40% | 6.62% | -0.22% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 23.52% | 24.29% | -0.77% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 28.13% | 28.93% | -0.80% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 18.49% | 18.81% | -0.32% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 16.14% | 16.44% | -0.30% |
Dividends
GLD vs. PHYS - Dividend Comparison
Neither GLD nor PHYS has paid dividends to shareholders.
Frequently Asked Questions
With a correlation of 0.99, GLD and PHYS 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.
PHYS has higher volatility (6.62%) compared to GLD (6.40%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GLD dropped -45.56% vs PHYS's -48.16%.
GLD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.81 vs 0.75), 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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