GLDN vs. BGLD

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

GLDN (Nicholas Gold Income ETF) and BGLD (FT Vest Gold Strategy Quarterly Buffer ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - GLDN is a Gold fund actively managed by Nicholas, while BGLD is a Defined Outcome fund actively managed by FT Vest. Both are actively managed. A 0.77 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. GLDN charges 1.07%/yr vs 0.91%/yr for BGLD.

Performance

GLDN vs. BGLD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Nicholas Gold Income ETF (GLDN) and FT Vest Gold Strategy Quarterly Buffer ETF (BGLD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

GLDN

• 1D: -6.72%
• 1M: -12.29%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BGLD

• 1D: -2.05%
• 1M: -2.51%
• YTD: -1.29%
• 6M: -0.81%
• 1Y: 11.33%
• 3Y*: 18.58%
• 5Y*: 10.84%
• 10Y*: —

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

GLDN vs. BGLD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
GLDN Nicholas Gold Income ETF	-21.20%
BGLD FT Vest Gold Strategy Quarterly Buffer ETF	-7.25%

Correlation

The correlation between GLDN and BGLD is 0.77, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 19, 2026	0.77

Return for Risk

GLDN vs. BGLD — Risk / Return Rank

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

BGLD

BGLD Risk / Return Rank: 26
BGLD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 27
BGLD Sortino Ratio Rank: 25
BGLD Omega Ratio Rank: 29
BGLD Calmar Ratio Rank: 23
BGLD Martin Ratio Rank: 25

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.

GLDN vs. BGLD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Nicholas Gold Income ETF (GLDN) and FT Vest Gold Strategy Quarterly Buffer ETF (BGLD). 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

	GLDN	BGLD	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	0.94	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	1.09	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	-1.33	1.01	-2.34

Drawdowns

GLDN vs. BGLD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GLDN drawdown since its inception was -28.04%, which is greater than BGLD's maximum drawdown of -16.19%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GLDN and BGLD.

Drawdown Indicators

	GLDN	BGLD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-28.04%	-16.19%	-11.85%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-11.11%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-11.11%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-15.52%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-28.04%	-8.70%	-19.34%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-15.70%	-3.65%	-12.05%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	3.55%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	GLDN	BGLD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	2.74%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	10.22%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	41.85%	12.09%	+29.76%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	41.85%	10.01%	+31.84%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	41.85%	9.93%	+31.92%

GLDN vs. BGLD - Expense Ratio Comparison

GLDN has a 1.07% expense ratio, which is higher than BGLD's 0.91% expense ratio.

Dividends

GLDN vs. BGLD - Dividend Comparison

GLDN's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.42%, less than BGLD's 44.90% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
BGLD FT Vest Gold Strategy Quarterly Buffer ETF	44.90%	44.32%	25.04%	10.49%	0.40%
GLDN Nicholas Gold Income ETF	4.42%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GLDN and BGLD in my portfolio?

GLDN and BGLD have a correlation of 0.77, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, GLDN or BGLD?

On fees, BGLD is cheaper at 0.91% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, GLDN or BGLD?

BGLD is cheaper with a 0.91% expense ratio, compared with 1.07% for GLDN.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, GLDN or BGLD?

BGLD has the higher dividend yield at 44.90%, compared with 4.42% for GLDN.

What is the main difference between GLDN and BGLD?

GLDN is categorized as Gold, while BGLD is Defined Outcome. They also come from different issuers: Nicholas and FT Vest. Their fees differ too: 1.07% for GLDN and 0.91% for BGLD.