GLDB vs. FIAX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

GLDB (Strategy Shares Gold-Hedged Bond ETF) and FIAX (Nicholas Fixed Income Alternative ETF) are both Nontraditional Bonds funds. GLDB is passively managed, while FIAX is actively managed. At a 0.35 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. GLDB charges 0.79%/yr vs 1.04%/yr for FIAX.

Performance

GLDB vs. FIAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Strategy Shares Gold-Hedged Bond ETF (GLDB) and Nicholas Fixed Income Alternative ETF (FIAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, GLDB achieves a -7.90% return, which is significantly lower than FIAX's 1.22% return.

GLDB

• 1D: -2.17%
• 1M: -7.55%
• YTD: -7.90%
• 6M: -6.06%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FIAX

• 1D: -0.14%
• 1M: 0.50%
• YTD: 1.22%
• 6M: 1.19%
• 1Y: 4.66%
• 3Y*: 3.47%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

GLDB vs. FIAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
GLDB Strategy Shares Gold-Hedged Bond ETF	-7.90%	-3.51%
FIAX Nicholas Fixed Income Alternative ETF	1.22%	0.73%

Correlation

The correlation between GLDB and FIAX is 0.35, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 27, 2025	0.35

Return for Risk

GLDB vs. FIAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

FIAX

FIAX Risk / Return Rank: 35
FIAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 31
FIAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 31
FIAX Omega Ratio Rank: 31
FIAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 39
FIAX Martin Ratio Rank: 44

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.

GLDB vs. FIAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Strategy Shares Gold-Hedged Bond ETF (GLDB) and Nicholas Fixed Income Alternative ETF (FIAX). 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	GLDB	FIAX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	1.13	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	-0.45	0.81	-1.25

Drawdowns

GLDB vs. FIAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GLDB drawdown since its inception was -27.36%, which is greater than FIAX's maximum drawdown of -6.26%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GLDB and FIAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	GLDB	FIAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-27.36%	-6.26%	-21.10%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-2.40%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-6.26%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-26.71%	-0.32%	-26.39%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-13.44%	-0.85%	-12.59%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	0.66%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	GLDB	FIAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	1.43%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	3.40%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	39.96%	4.14%	+35.82%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	39.96%	4.05%	+35.91%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	39.96%	4.05%	+35.91%

GLDB vs. FIAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

GLDB has a 0.79% expense ratio, which is lower than FIAX's 1.04% expense ratio.

Dividends

GLDB vs. FIAX - Dividend Comparison

GLDB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.21%, less than FIAX's 8.19% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
FIAX Nicholas Fixed Income Alternative ETF	8.19%	8.17%	8.11%	4.81%
GLDB Strategy Shares Gold-Hedged Bond ETF	0.21%	0.19%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GLDB and FIAX in my portfolio?

GLDB and FIAX have a correlation of 0.35, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, GLDB or FIAX?

On fees, GLDB is cheaper at 0.79% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, GLDB or FIAX?

GLDB is cheaper with a 0.79% expense ratio, compared with 1.04% for FIAX.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, GLDB or FIAX?

FIAX has the higher dividend yield at 8.19%, compared with 0.21% for GLDB.

What is the main difference between GLDB and FIAX?

They also come from different issuers: Strategy Shares and Nicholas. Their fees differ too: 0.79% for GLDB and 1.04% for FIAX.