GOAU vs. FGDL

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

GOAU (US Global GO GOLD and Precious Metal Miners ETF) and FGDL (Franklin Responsibly Sourced Gold ETF) are both Gold funds - GOAU tracks the U.S. Global GO GOLD and Precious Metal Miners Index while FGDL tracks the LBMA Gold Price PM ($/ozt). Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, GOAU returned 32.68%/yr vs 27.81%/yr for FGDL. A 0.77 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. GOAU charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.15%/yr for FGDL.

Performance

GOAU vs. FGDL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in US Global GO GOLD and Precious Metal Miners ETF (GOAU) and Franklin Responsibly Sourced Gold ETF (FGDL). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, GOAU achieves a -12.48% return, which is significantly lower than FGDL's -6.86% return.

GOAU

• 1D: -0.35%
• 1M: -12.66%
• YTD: -12.48%
• 6M: -15.93%
• 1Y: 30.69%
• 3Y*: 32.68%
• 5Y*: 15.29%
• 10Y*: —

FGDL

• 1D: 1.23%
• 1M: -10.34%
• YTD: -6.86%
• 6M: -10.30%
• 1Y: 20.40%
• 3Y*: 27.81%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

GOAU vs. FGDL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
GOAU US Global GO GOLD and Precious Metal Miners ETF	-12.48%	126.68%	13.78%	10.67%	6.06%
FGDL Franklin Responsibly Sourced Gold ETF	-6.86%	64.15%	27.31%	12.92%	0.72%

Correlation

The correlation between GOAU and FGDL is 0.76, 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	0.76
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.76
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 30, 2022	0.77

The correlation between GOAU and FGDL has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.76 to 0.77 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

GOAU vs. FGDL — Risk / Return Rank

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

GOAU

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

FGDL

FGDL Risk / Return Rank: 21
FGDL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 22
FGDL Sortino Ratio Rank: 21
FGDL Omega Ratio Rank: 24
FGDL Calmar Ratio Rank: 19
FGDL Martin Ratio Rank: 20

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.

GOAU vs. FGDL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for US Global GO GOLD and Precious Metal Miners ETF (GOAU) and Franklin Responsibly Sourced Gold ETF (FGDL). 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.

	GOAU	FGDL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.65	0.73	-0.09
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.08	1.07	+0.01
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.15	1.16	-0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.86	0.77	+0.09
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.12	2.15	-0.03

GOAU vs. FGDL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GOAU Sharpe Ratio is 0.65, which is comparable to the FGDL Sharpe Ratio of 0.73. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GOAU and FGDL, 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

GOAU vs. FGDL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GOAU drawdown since its inception was -55.41%, which is greater than FGDL's maximum drawdown of -26.48%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GOAU and FGDL.

Drawdown Indicators

	GOAU	FGDL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-55.41%	-26.48%	-28.93%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-35.89%	-26.48%	-9.41%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-35.89%	-26.48%	-9.41%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-48.52%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-33.74%	-25.58%	-8.16%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-18.88%	-4.12%	-14.76%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	14.53%	9.51%	+5.02%

Volatility

GOAU vs. FGDL - Volatility Comparison

US Global GO GOLD and Precious Metal Miners ETF (GOAU) has a higher volatility of 16.47% compared to Franklin Responsibly Sourced Gold ETF (FGDL) at 9.10%. This indicates that GOAU's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FGDL based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GOAU	FGDL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	16.47%	9.10%	+7.37%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	39.63%	24.65%	+14.98%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	47.71%	27.99%	+19.72%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	36.95%	19.39%	+17.56%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	35.74%	19.39%	+16.35%

GOAU vs. FGDL - Expense Ratio Comparison

GOAU has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is higher than FGDL's 0.15% expense ratio.

Dividends

GOAU vs. FGDL - Dividend Comparison

GOAU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.07%, while FGDL has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FGDL Franklin Responsibly Sourced Gold ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
GOAU US Global GO GOLD and Precious Metal Miners ETF	1.07%	0.94%	2.11%	0.99%	1.55%	1.28%	0.74%	0.16%	0.47%	0.27%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GOAU and FGDL in my portfolio?

GOAU and FGDL have a correlation of 0.76, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, GOAU or FGDL?

GOAU has higher volatility (16.47%) compared to FGDL (9.10%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GOAU dropped -55.41% vs FGDL's -26.48%.

Which ETF is better, GOAU or FGDL?

On 3-year performance, GOAU leads with 32.68% vs 27.81% for FGDL. On fees, FGDL is cheaper at 0.15% per year. On volatility, FGDL has been the lower-risk option at 9.10%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, GOAU or FGDL?

Over the 3-year period, GOAU has performed better with a 32.68% return vs 27.81%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, GOAU or FGDL?

FGDL is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for GOAU.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, GOAU or FGDL?

GOAU has the higher dividend yield at 1.07%, compared with 0.00% for FGDL.

What is the main difference between GOAU and FGDL?

GOAU tracks U.S. Global GO GOLD and Precious Metal Miners Index, while FGDL tracks LBMA Gold Price PM ($/ozt). They also come from different issuers: US Global and Franklin Templeton. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for GOAU and 0.15% for FGDL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FGDL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.73 vs 0.65), 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.