GLTR vs. GLDY

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

GLTR (abrdn Physical Precious Metals Basket Shares ETF) and GLDY (Defiance Gold Enhanced Options Income ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - GLTR is a Precious Metals fund tracking the ETFS Physical Precious Metals Basket Index, while GLDY is a Derivative Income fund actively managed by Defiance. GLTR is passively managed, while GLDY is actively managed. Over the past year, GLTR returned 33.31% vs 3.71% for GLDY. A 0.79 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. GLTR charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.99%/yr for GLDY.

Performance

GLTR vs. GLDY - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in abrdn Physical Precious Metals Basket Shares ETF (GLTR) and Defiance Gold Enhanced Options Income ETF (GLDY). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with GLTR having a -9.21% return and GLDY slightly higher at -8.97%.

GLTR

• 1D: -3.07%
• 1M: -12.32%
• YTD: -9.21%
• 6M: -12.60%
• 1Y: 33.31%
• 3Y*: 29.08%
• 5Y*: 14.31%
• 10Y*: 11.27%

GLDY

• 1D: -1.42%
• 1M: -7.47%
• YTD: -8.97%
• 6M: -11.98%
• 1Y: 3.71%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

GLTR vs. GLDY - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
GLTR abrdn Physical Precious Metals Basket Shares ETF	-9.21%	59.60%
GLDY Defiance Gold Enhanced Options Income ETF	-8.97%	15.15%

Correlation

The correlation between GLTR and GLDY is 0.79, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.79
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 2, 2025	0.79

The correlation between GLTR and GLDY has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.79 to 0.79 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

GLTR vs. GLDY — Risk / Return Rank

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

GLTR

GLTR Risk / Return Rank: 24
GLTR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 25
GLTR Sortino Ratio Rank: 23
GLTR Omega Ratio Rank: 29
GLTR Calmar Ratio Rank: 22
GLTR Martin Ratio Rank: 20

GLDY

GLDY Risk / Return Rank: 11
GLDY Sharpe Ratio Rank: 10
GLDY Sortino Ratio Rank: 10
GLDY Omega Ratio Rank: 11
GLDY Calmar Ratio Rank: 10
GLDY Martin Ratio Rank: 11

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.

GLTR vs. GLDY - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for abrdn Physical Precious Metals Basket Shares ETF (GLTR) and Defiance Gold Enhanced Options Income ETF (GLDY). 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.

	GLTR	GLDY	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.86	0.15	+0.71
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.22	0.36	+0.86
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.19	1.06	+0.13
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.97	0.14	+0.82
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.27	0.54	+1.74

GLTR vs. GLDY - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GLTR Sharpe Ratio is 0.86, which is higher than the GLDY Sharpe Ratio of 0.15. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GLTR and GLDY, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

GLTR vs. GLDY - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GLTR drawdown since its inception was -55.70%, which is greater than GLDY's maximum drawdown of -25.90%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GLTR and GLDY.

Drawdown Indicators

	GLTR	GLDY	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-55.70%	-25.90%	-29.80%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-34.55%	-25.90%	-8.65%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-34.55%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-34.55%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.55%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-34.55%	-19.05%	-15.50%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-28.83%	-4.47%	-24.36%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	14.68%	6.91%	+7.77%

Volatility

GLTR vs. GLDY - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for abrdn Physical Precious Metals Basket Shares ETF (GLTR) is 10.06%, while Defiance Gold Enhanced Options Income ETF (GLDY) has a volatility of 14.83%. This indicates that GLTR experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than GLDY based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GLTR	GLDY	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	10.06%	14.83%	-4.77%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	36.51%	23.20%	+13.31%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	38.78%	24.59%	+14.19%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	23.90%	23.27%	+0.63%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.68%	23.27%	-2.59%

GLTR vs. GLDY - Expense Ratio Comparison

GLTR has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is lower than GLDY's 0.99% expense ratio.

Dividends

GLTR vs. GLDY - Dividend Comparison

GLTR has not paid dividends to shareholders, while GLDY's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 51.60%.

Position	TTM	2025
GLDY Defiance Gold Enhanced Options Income ETF	51.60%	37.38%
GLTR abrdn Physical Precious Metals Basket Shares ETF	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GLTR and GLDY in my portfolio?

GLTR and GLDY have a correlation of 0.79, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, GLTR or GLDY?

GLDY has higher volatility (14.83%) compared to GLTR (10.06%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GLTR dropped -55.70% vs GLDY's -25.90%.

Which ETF is better, GLTR or GLDY?

On 1-year performance, GLTR leads with 33.31% vs 3.71% for GLDY. On fees, GLTR is cheaper at 0.60% per year. On volatility, GLTR has been the lower-risk option at 10.06%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, GLTR or GLDY?

Over the 1-year period, GLTR has performed better with a 33.31% return vs 3.71%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, GLTR or GLDY?

GLTR is cheaper with a 0.60% expense ratio, compared with 0.99% for GLDY.

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

GLDY has the higher dividend yield at 51.60%, compared with 0.00% for GLTR.

What is the main difference between GLTR and GLDY?

GLTR is categorized as Precious Metals, while GLDY is Derivative Income. They also come from different issuers: abrdn and Defiance. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for GLTR and 0.99% for GLDY.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GLTR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.86 vs 0.15), 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.