GLDN vs. GDX

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

GLDN (Nicholas Gold Income ETF) and GDX (VanEck Gold Miners ETF) are both Gold funds. GLDN is actively managed, while GDX is passively managed. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. GLDN charges 1.07%/yr vs 0.51%/yr for GDX.

Performance

GLDN vs. GDX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Nicholas Gold Income ETF (GLDN) and VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX). 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*: —

GDX

• 1D: -8.75%
• 1M: -14.71%
• YTD: -8.08%
• 6M: -2.00%
• 1Y: 49.41%
• 3Y*: 37.19%
• 5Y*: 16.92%
• 10Y*: 13.23%

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

GLDN vs. GDX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
GLDN Nicholas Gold Income ETF	-21.20%
GDX VanEck Gold Miners ETF	-23.13%

Correlation

The correlation between GLDN and GDX is 0.97 - 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 (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 19, 2026	0.97

Return for Risk

GLDN vs. GDX — Risk / Return Rank

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

GDX

GDX Risk / Return Rank: 30
GDX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 30
GDX Sortino Ratio Rank: 28
GDX Omega Ratio Rank: 31
GDX Calmar Ratio Rank: 32
GDX Martin Ratio Rank: 29

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. GDX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Nicholas Gold Income ETF (GLDN) and VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX). 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	GDX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	1.07	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.46	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.36	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	-1.33	0.12	-1.44

Drawdowns

GLDN vs. GDX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GLDN drawdown since its inception was -28.04%, smaller than the maximum GDX drawdown of -80.34%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GLDN and GDX.

Drawdown Indicators

	GLDN	GDX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-28.04%	-80.34%	+52.30%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-31.94%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-31.94%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-46.51%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-49.79%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-28.04%	-31.94%	+3.90%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-15.70%	-40.43%	+24.73%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	12.26%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	GLDN	GDX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	16.04%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	38.62%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	41.85%	46.37%	-4.52%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	41.85%	36.60%	+5.25%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	41.85%	37.28%	+4.57%

GLDN vs. GDX - Expense Ratio Comparison

GLDN has a 1.07% expense ratio, which is higher than GDX's 0.51% expense ratio.

Dividends

GLDN vs. GDX - Dividend Comparison

GLDN's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.42%, more than GDX's 0.80% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GDX VanEck Gold Miners ETF	0.80%	0.74%	1.19%	1.61%	1.66%	1.67%	0.53%	0.67%	0.50%	0.76%	0.26%	0.85%
GLDN Nicholas Gold Income ETF	4.42%	0.00%	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 GLDN and GDX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.97, GLDN and GDX 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.

Which ETF is better, GLDN or GDX?

On fees, GDX is cheaper at 0.51% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, GLDN or GDX?

GDX is cheaper with a 0.51% expense ratio, compared with 1.07% for GLDN.

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

GLDN has the higher dividend yield at 4.42%, compared with 0.80% for GDX.

What is the main difference between GLDN and GDX?

They also come from different issuers: Nicholas and VanEck. Their fees differ too: 1.07% for GLDN and 0.51% for GDX.