GLD vs. XLF

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

GLD (SPDR Gold Shares) and XLF (State Street Financial Select Sector SPDR ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - GLD is a Gold fund tracking the LBMA Gold Price PM, while XLF is a Financials Equities fund tracking the Financial Select Sector Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, GLD returned 13.12%/yr vs 12.38%/yr for XLF. At a correlation of -0.02, they often move in opposite directions. GLD charges 0.40%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for XLF.

Performance

GLD vs. XLF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) and State Street Financial Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLF). 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 XLF's -6.64% return. Over the past 10 years, GLD has outperformed XLF with an annualized return of 13.12%, while XLF has yielded a comparatively lower 12.38% annualized 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%

XLF

• 1D: -1.15%
• 1M: -1.38%
• YTD: -6.64%
• 6M: -4.18%
• 1Y: 1.13%
• 3Y*: 17.64%
• 5Y*: 7.61%
• 10Y*: 12.38%

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

GLD vs. XLF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
GLD SPDR Gold Shares	2.92%	63.68%	26.66%	12.69%	-0.77%	-4.15%	24.81%	17.86%	-1.94%	12.81%
XLF State Street Financial Select Sector SPDR ETF	-6.64%	14.90%	30.56%	12.03%	-10.59%	34.80%	-1.74%	31.88%	-13.06%	22.00%

Correlation

The correlation between GLD and XLF is 0.05, 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	0.05
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.07
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.06
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	-0.06
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 19, 2004	-0.02

The correlation between GLD and XLF shifts across timeframes, from -0.06 (10 years) to 0.07 (3 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

GLD vs. XLF - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	GLD	XLF
Basic Materials	100.0%	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	98.0%
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	0.2%
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	1.8%
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

GLD vs. XLF — 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

XLF

XLF Risk / Return Rank: 9
XLF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 9
XLF Sortino Ratio Rank: 9
XLF Omega Ratio Rank: 9
XLF Calmar Ratio Rank: 9
XLF Martin Ratio Rank: 9

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. XLF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) and State Street Financial Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLF). 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	XLF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.21	0.08	+1.13
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.60	0.20	+1.40
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.24	1.02	+0.22
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.68	0.08	+1.60
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.15	0.20	+3.95
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. XLF - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GLD Sharpe Ratio is 1.21, which is higher than the XLF Sharpe Ratio of 0.08. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GLD and XLF, 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	XLF	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.21	0.08	+1.13
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	1.01	0.41	+0.60
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.83	0.56	+0.26
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.60	0.20	+0.40

Drawdowns

GLD vs. XLF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GLD drawdown since its inception was -45.56%, smaller than the maximum XLF drawdown of -82.69%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GLD and XLF.

Drawdown Indicators

	GLD	XLF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-45.56%	-82.69%	+37.13%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-19.21%	-14.79%	-4.42%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.21%	-15.54%	-3.67%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-21.03%	-25.81%	+4.78%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-22.00%	-42.86%	+20.86%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-17.75%	-9.34%	-8.41%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-16.16%	-20.03%	+3.87%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	7.73%	5.66%	+2.07%

Volatility

GLD vs. XLF - Volatility Comparison

SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) has a higher volatility of 5.51% compared to State Street Financial Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLF) at 3.29%. This indicates that GLD's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than XLF based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GLD	XLF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.51%	3.29%	+2.22%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	23.16%	10.94%	+12.22%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	26.61%	14.41%	+12.20%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.00%	18.63%	-0.63%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.95%	22.16%	-6.21%

GLD vs. XLF - Expense Ratio Comparison

GLD has a 0.40% expense ratio, which is higher than XLF's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

GLD vs. XLF - Dividend Comparison

GLD has not paid dividends to shareholders, while XLF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.56%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GLD SPDR Gold Shares	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
XLF State Street Financial Select Sector SPDR ETF	1.56%	1.31%	1.42%	1.71%	2.04%	1.63%	2.03%	1.87%	2.08%	1.48%	21.10%	1.95%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GLD and XLF in my portfolio?

GLD and XLF have a correlation of 0.05, 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 XLF?

GLD has higher volatility (5.51%) compared to XLF (3.29%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GLD dropped -45.56% vs XLF's -82.69%.

Which ETF is better, GLD or XLF?

On 10-year performance, GLD leads with 13.12% vs 12.38% for XLF. On fees, XLF is cheaper at 0.08% per year. On volatility, XLF has been the lower-risk option at 3.29%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, GLD or XLF?

Over the 10-year period, GLD has performed better with a 13.12% return vs 12.38%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, GLD or XLF?

XLF is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.40% for GLD.

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

XLF has the higher dividend yield at 1.56%, compared with 0.00% for GLD.

What is the main difference between GLD and XLF?

GLD is categorized as Gold, while XLF is Financials Equities. GLD tracks LBMA Gold Price PM, while XLF tracks Financial Select Sector Index. Their fees differ too: 0.40% for GLD and 0.08% for XLF.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GLD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.21 vs 0.08), 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.