GLDM vs. PHYS
GLDM (SPDR Gold MiniShares Trust) is Gold fund tracking the LBMA Gold Price PM, while PHYS (Sprott Physical Gold Trust) is a stock. Over the past 5 years, GLDM returned 18.49%/yr vs 17.41%/yr for PHYS. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep.
Performance
GLDM vs. PHYS - Performance Comparison
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Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, GLDM achieves a 3.00% return, which is significantly higher than PHYS's 1.64% return.
GLDM
- 1D
- -0.96%
- 1M
- -1.62%
- YTD
- 3.00%
- 6M
- 5.60%
- 1Y
- 32.42%
- 3Y*
- 31.49%
- 5Y*
- 18.49%
- 10Y*
- —
PHYS
- 1D
- -1.09%
- 1M
- -1.73%
- YTD
- 1.64%
- 6M
- 4.32%
- 1Y
- 31.14%
- 3Y*
- 29.99%
- 5Y*
- 17.41%
- 10Y*
- 12.40%
GLDM vs. PHYS - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
GLDM SPDR Gold MiniShares Trust | 3.00% | 64.20% | 27.08% | 13.04% | -0.47% | -4.01% | 25.10% | 18.10% | 1.84% |
PHYS Sprott Physical Gold Trust | 1.64% | 63.95% | 26.43% | 12.98% | -1.81% | -4.84% | 23.89% | 18.14% | 0.88% |
Correlation
The correlation between GLDM and PHYS is 0.99 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 0.99 |
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period | 0.99 |
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.98 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 27, 2018 | 0.96 |
The correlation between GLDM and PHYS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.96 to 0.99 - a consistent structural relationship.
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Return for Risk
GLDM vs. PHYS — Risk / Return Rank
GLDM
PHYS
GLDM vs. PHYS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR Gold MiniShares Trust (GLDM) 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.
| GLDM | PHYS | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | +0.09 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | +0.13 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.25 | 1.23 | +0.02 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 1.70 | 1.62 | +0.08 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 4.23 | 3.99 | +0.24 |
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month. | |||
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Sharpe Ratios by Period
| GLDM | PHYS | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Sharpe Ratio (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 1.24 | 1.14 | +0.09 |
Sharpe Ratio (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 1.04 | 0.96 | +0.08 |
Sharpe Ratio (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | — | 0.76 | — |
Sharpe Ratio (All Time)Calculated using the full available price history | 1.02 | 0.45 | +0.57 |
Drawdowns
GLDM vs. PHYS - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum GLDM drawdown since its inception was -21.63%, smaller than the maximum PHYS drawdown of -48.16%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GLDM and PHYS.
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Drawdown Indicators
| GLDM | PHYS | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -21.63% | -48.16% | +26.53% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -19.14% | -19.35% | +0.21% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -19.14% | -19.35% | +0.21% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -20.92% | -21.80% | +0.88% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | — | -23.75% | — |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -17.65% | -18.01% | +0.36% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -6.22% | -21.00% | +14.78% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 7.69% | 7.82% | -0.13% |
Volatility
GLDM vs. PHYS - Volatility Comparison
SPDR Gold MiniShares Trust (GLDM) and Sprott Physical Gold Trust (PHYS) have volatilities of 5.47% and 5.66%, 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
| GLDM | PHYS | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 5.47% | 5.66% | -0.19% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 22.99% | 23.87% | -0.88% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 26.39% | 27.43% | -1.04% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 17.91% | 18.31% | -0.40% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 16.85% | 16.30% | +0.55% |
Dividends
GLDM vs. PHYS - Dividend Comparison
Neither GLDM nor PHYS has paid dividends to shareholders.
Frequently Asked Questions
With a correlation of 0.99, GLDM 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 (5.66%) compared to GLDM (5.47%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GLDM dropped -21.63% vs PHYS's -48.16%.
GLDM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.24 vs 1.14), 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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