GLDN vs. GDXJ

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

GLDN (Nicholas Gold Income ETF) and GDXJ (VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF) are both Gold funds. GLDN is actively managed, while GDXJ is passively managed. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. GLDN charges 1.07%/yr vs 0.52%/yr for GDXJ.

Performance

GLDN vs. GDXJ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Nicholas Gold Income ETF (GLDN) and VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF (GDXJ). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

GLDN

• 1D: -3.48%
• 1M: -16.49%
• 6M: —
• YTD: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

GDXJ

• 1D: -4.04%
• 1M: -19.04%
• 6M: -27.13%
• YTD: -18.57%
• 1Y: 40.44%
• 3Y*: 36.46%
• 5Y*: 17.45%
• 10Y*: 8.32%

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

GLDN vs. GDXJ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
GLDN Nicholas Gold Income ETF	-29.47%
GDXJ VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF	-29.17%

Correlation

The correlation between GLDN and GDXJ is 0.96 - 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 18, 2026	0.96

Return for Risk

GLDN vs. GDXJ — Risk / Return Rank

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

GLDN

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

GDXJ

GDXJ Risk / Return Rank: 26
GDXJ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 25
GDXJ Sortino Ratio Rank: 26
GDXJ Omega Ratio Rank: 28
GDXJ Calmar Ratio Rank: 25
GDXJ Martin Ratio Rank: 23

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. GDXJ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Nicholas Gold Income ETF (GLDN) and VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF (GDXJ). 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.

	GLDN	GDXJ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	0.76	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	1.24	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.16	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	1.00	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	2.29	—

Drawdowns

GLDN vs. GDXJ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GLDN drawdown since its inception was -35.79%, smaller than the maximum GDXJ drawdown of -88.66%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GLDN and GDXJ.

Drawdown Indicators

	GLDN	GDXJ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-35.79%	-88.66%	+52.87%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-40.68%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-40.68%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-48.79%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-57.77%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-35.79%	-40.68%	+4.89%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-19.45%	-60.32%	+40.87%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	17.74%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	GLDN	GDXJ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	14.07%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	44.66%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	42.06%	53.34%	-11.28%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	42.06%	41.93%	+0.13%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	42.06%	44.27%	-2.21%

GLDN vs. GDXJ - Expense Ratio Comparison

GLDN has a 1.07% expense ratio, which is higher than GDXJ's 0.52% expense ratio.

Dividends

GLDN vs. GDXJ - Dividend Comparison

GLDN's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.95%, more than GDXJ's 2.86% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GDXJ VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF	2.86%	2.33%	2.61%	0.72%	0.51%	1.78%	1.58%	0.39%	0.45%	0.03%	4.78%	0.72%
GLDN Nicholas Gold Income ETF	6.95%	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 GDXJ in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, GLDN and GDXJ 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 GDXJ?

On fees, GDXJ is cheaper at 0.52% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, GLDN or GDXJ?

GDXJ is cheaper with a 0.52% expense ratio, compared with 1.07% for GLDN.

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

GLDN has the higher dividend yield at 6.95%, compared with 2.86% for GDXJ.

What is the main difference between GLDN and GDXJ?

They also come from different issuers: Nicholas and VanEck. Their fees differ too: 1.07% for GLDN and 0.52% for GDXJ.