GLDI vs. YGLD

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

GLDI (UBS AG ETRACS Gold Shares Covered Call ETNs due February 2, 2033) and YGLD (Simplify Gold Strategy PLUS Income ETF) are both Gold funds. GLDI is passively managed, while YGLD is actively managed. Over the past year, GLDI returned 11.67% vs 11.74% for YGLD. A 0.80 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. GLDI charges 0.65%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for YGLD.

Performance

GLDI vs. YGLD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in UBS AG ETRACS Gold Shares Covered Call ETNs due February 2, 2033 (GLDI) and Simplify Gold Strategy PLUS Income ETF (YGLD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, GLDI achieves a -4.45% return, which is significantly higher than YGLD's -16.76% return.

GLDI

• 1D: -1.62%
• 1M: -7.19%
• YTD: -4.45%
• 6M: -5.42%
• 1Y: 11.67%
• 3Y*: 17.47%
• 5Y*: 10.96%
• 10Y*: 7.83%

YGLD

• 1D: -2.32%
• 1M: -12.41%
• YTD: -16.76%
• 6M: -23.00%
• 1Y: 11.74%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

GLDI vs. YGLD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
GLDI UBS AG ETRACS Gold Shares Covered Call ETNs due February 2, 2033	-4.45%	34.25%	0.27%
YGLD Simplify Gold Strategy PLUS Income ETF	-16.76%	96.82%	-4.26%

Correlation

The correlation between GLDI and YGLD is 0.83, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.83
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 3, 2024	0.80

The correlation between GLDI and YGLD has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.80 to 0.83 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

GLDI vs. YGLD — Risk / Return Rank

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

GLDI

GLDI Risk / Return Rank: 21
GLDI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 22
GLDI Sortino Ratio Rank: 19
GLDI Omega Ratio Rank: 23
GLDI Calmar Ratio Rank: 19
GLDI Martin Ratio Rank: 23

YGLD

YGLD Risk / Return Rank: 13
YGLD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 13
YGLD Sortino Ratio Rank: 13
YGLD Omega Ratio Rank: 15
YGLD Calmar Ratio Rank: 12
YGLD Martin Ratio Rank: 12

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.

GLDI vs. YGLD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for UBS AG ETRACS Gold Shares Covered Call ETNs due February 2, 2033 (GLDI) and Simplify Gold Strategy PLUS Income ETF (YGLD). 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.

	GLDI	YGLD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.73	0.28	+0.45
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.01	0.63	+0.37
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.16	1.09	+0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.83	0.29	+0.54
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.73	0.69	+2.04

GLDI vs. YGLD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GLDI Sharpe Ratio is 0.73, which is higher than the YGLD Sharpe Ratio of 0.28. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GLDI and YGLD, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

GLDI vs. YGLD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GLDI drawdown since its inception was -32.26%, smaller than the maximum YGLD drawdown of -40.91%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GLDI and YGLD.

Drawdown Indicators

	GLDI	YGLD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-32.26%	-40.91%	+8.65%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.14%	-40.91%	+26.77%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.14%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-14.14%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-14.94%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-13.28%	-39.93%	+26.65%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-13.99%	-8.87%	-5.12%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.30%	17.08%	-12.78%

Volatility

GLDI vs. YGLD - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for UBS AG ETRACS Gold Shares Covered Call ETNs due February 2, 2033 (GLDI) is 7.18%, while Simplify Gold Strategy PLUS Income ETF (YGLD) has a volatility of 11.81%. This indicates that GLDI experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than YGLD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GLDI	YGLD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.18%	11.81%	-4.63%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.58%	36.35%	-21.77%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.99%	41.62%	-25.63%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	11.58%	39.45%	-27.87%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	11.52%	39.45%	-27.93%

GLDI vs. YGLD - Expense Ratio Comparison

GLDI has a 0.65% expense ratio, which is higher than YGLD's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

GLDI vs. YGLD - Dividend Comparison

GLDI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 26.67%, more than YGLD's 21.43% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GLDI UBS AG ETRACS Gold Shares Covered Call ETNs due February 2, 2033	26.67%	16.15%	10.45%	10.02%	13.73%	10.65%	14.25%	7.25%	5.33%	7.77%	17.26%	10.07%
YGLD Simplify Gold Strategy PLUS Income ETF	21.43%	12.05%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GLDI and YGLD in my portfolio?

GLDI and YGLD have a correlation of 0.83, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, GLDI or YGLD?

YGLD has higher volatility (11.81%) compared to GLDI (7.18%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GLDI dropped -32.26% vs YGLD's -40.91%.

Which ETF is better, GLDI or YGLD?

On 1-year performance, YGLD leads with 11.74% vs 11.67% for GLDI. On fees, YGLD is cheaper at 0.50% per year. On volatility, GLDI has been the lower-risk option at 7.18%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, GLDI or YGLD?

Over the 1-year period, YGLD has performed better with a 11.74% return vs 11.67%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, GLDI or YGLD?

YGLD is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.65% for GLDI.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, GLDI or YGLD?

GLDI has the higher dividend yield at 26.67%, compared with 21.43% for YGLD.

What is the main difference between GLDI and YGLD?

They also come from different issuers: UBS and Simplify. Their fees differ too: 0.65% for GLDI and 0.50% for YGLD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GLDI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.73 vs 0.28), 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.