GLDY vs. ULTY

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

GLDY (Defiance Gold Enhanced Options Income ETF) and ULTY (YieldMax Ultra Option Income Strategy ETF) are both Derivative Income funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, GLDY returned 13.84% vs 8.24% for ULTY. At a 0.13 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. GLDY charges 0.99%/yr vs 1.14%/yr for ULTY.

Performance

GLDY vs. ULTY - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Defiance Gold Enhanced Options Income ETF (GLDY) and YieldMax Ultra Option Income Strategy ETF (ULTY). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, GLDY achieves a -2.30% return, which is significantly lower than ULTY's 11.14% return.

GLDY

• 1D: -0.58%
• 1M: -1.38%
• YTD: -2.30%
• 6M: -0.58%
• 1Y: 13.84%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

ULTY

• 1D: -1.25%
• 1M: 4.53%
• YTD: 11.14%
• 6M: 9.84%
• 1Y: 8.24%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

GLDY vs. ULTY - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
GLDY Defiance Gold Enhanced Options Income ETF	-2.30%	15.40%
ULTY YieldMax Ultra Option Income Strategy ETF	11.14%	12.73%

Correlation

The correlation between GLDY and ULTY is 0.25, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.25
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 3, 2025	0.13

The correlation between GLDY and ULTY shifts across timeframes, from 0.13 (all time) to 0.25 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

GLDY vs. ULTY — Risk / Return Rank

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

GLDY

GLDY Risk / Return Rank: 21
GLDY Sharpe Ratio Rank: 20
GLDY Sortino Ratio Rank: 18
GLDY Omega Ratio Rank: 23
GLDY Calmar Ratio Rank: 23
GLDY Martin Ratio Rank: 21

ULTY

ULTY Risk / Return Rank: 13
ULTY Sharpe Ratio Rank: 14
ULTY Sortino Ratio Rank: 14
ULTY Omega Ratio Rank: 14
ULTY Calmar Ratio Rank: 13
ULTY 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.

GLDY vs. ULTY - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Defiance Gold Enhanced Options Income ETF (GLDY) and YieldMax Ultra Option Income Strategy ETF (ULTY). 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.

	GLDY	ULTY	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.70	0.40	+0.30
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.92	0.66	+0.26
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.16	1.08	+0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.03	0.34	+0.69
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.47	0.67	+1.80
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

GLDY vs. ULTY - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GLDY Sharpe Ratio is 0.70, which is higher than the ULTY Sharpe Ratio of 0.40. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GLDY and ULTY, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	GLDY	ULTY	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.70	0.40	+0.30
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.56	0.17	+0.38

Drawdowns

GLDY vs. ULTY - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GLDY drawdown since its inception was -13.43%, smaller than the maximum ULTY drawdown of -26.85%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GLDY and ULTY.

Drawdown Indicators

	GLDY	ULTY	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-13.43%	-26.85%	+13.42%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.43%	-24.16%	+10.73%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-13.12%	-8.88%	-4.24%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.91%	-9.37%	+5.46%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.61%	12.31%	-6.70%

Volatility

GLDY vs. ULTY - Volatility Comparison

Defiance Gold Enhanced Options Income ETF (GLDY) and YieldMax Ultra Option Income Strategy ETF (ULTY) have volatilities of 4.56% and 4.51%, 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.

Volatility by Period

	GLDY	ULTY	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.56%	4.51%	+0.05%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	18.27%	15.03%	+3.24%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.87%	20.79%	-0.92%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.58%	26.92%	-7.34%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.58%	26.92%	-7.34%

GLDY vs. ULTY - Expense Ratio Comparison

GLDY has a 0.99% expense ratio, which is lower than ULTY's 1.14% expense ratio.

Dividends

GLDY vs. ULTY - Dividend Comparison

GLDY's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 46.42%, less than ULTY's 114.67% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
GLDY Defiance Gold Enhanced Options Income ETF	46.42%	37.38%	0.00%
ULTY YieldMax Ultra Option Income Strategy ETF	114.67%	142.99%	111.70%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GLDY and ULTY in my portfolio?

GLDY and ULTY have a correlation of 0.25, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, GLDY or ULTY?

GLDY has higher volatility (4.56%) compared to ULTY (4.51%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GLDY dropped -13.43% vs ULTY's -26.85%.

Which ETF is better, GLDY or ULTY?

On 1-year performance, GLDY leads with 13.84% vs 8.24% for ULTY. On fees, GLDY is cheaper at 0.99% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, GLDY or ULTY?

Over the 1-year period, GLDY has performed better with a 13.84% return vs 8.24%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, GLDY or ULTY?

GLDY is cheaper with a 0.99% expense ratio, compared with 1.14% for ULTY.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, GLDY or ULTY?

ULTY has the higher dividend yield at 114.67%, compared with 46.42% for GLDY.

What is the main difference between GLDY and ULTY?

They also come from different issuers: Defiance and YieldMax. Their fees differ too: 0.99% for GLDY and 1.14% for ULTY.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GLDY currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.70 vs 0.40), 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.