GOAU vs. GBUG

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

GOAU (US Global GO GOLD and Precious Metal Miners ETF) and GBUG (Sprott Active Gold & Silver Miners ETF) are both Gold funds. GOAU is passively managed, while GBUG is actively managed. Over the past year, GOAU returned 30.69% vs 55.70% for GBUG. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. GOAU charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.89%/yr for GBUG.

Performance

GOAU vs. GBUG - 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 Sprott Active Gold & Silver Miners ETF (GBUG). 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 GBUG's -11.69% return.

GOAU

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

GBUG

• 1D: 2.23%
• 1M: -13.12%
• YTD: -11.69%
• 6M: -14.96%
• 1Y: 55.70%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

GOAU vs. GBUG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
GOAU US Global GO GOLD and Precious Metal Miners ETF	-12.48%	95.02%
GBUG Sprott Active Gold & Silver Miners ETF	-11.69%	122.37%

Correlation

The correlation between GOAU and GBUG 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 (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 20, 2025	0.96

The correlation between GOAU and GBUG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.96 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

GOAU vs. GBUG — 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

GBUG

GBUG Risk / Return Rank: 32
GBUG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 34
GBUG Sortino Ratio Rank: 31
GBUG Omega Ratio Rank: 35
GBUG Calmar Ratio Rank: 33
GBUG Martin Ratio Rank: 30

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. GBUG - 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 Sprott Active Gold & Silver Miners ETF (GBUG). 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	GBUG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.65	1.11	-0.46
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.08	1.55	-0.47
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.15	1.21	-0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.86	1.52	-0.66
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.12	3.89	-1.77

GOAU vs. GBUG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GOAU Sharpe Ratio is 0.65, which is lower than the GBUG Sharpe Ratio of 1.11. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GOAU and GBUG, 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. GBUG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GOAU drawdown since its inception was -55.41%, which is greater than GBUG's maximum drawdown of -36.90%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GOAU and GBUG.

Drawdown Indicators

	GOAU	GBUG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-55.41%	-36.90%	-18.51%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-35.89%	-36.90%	+1.01%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-35.89%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-48.52%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-33.74%	-33.68%	-0.06%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-18.88%	-8.62%	-10.26%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	14.53%	14.37%	+0.16%

Volatility

GOAU vs. GBUG - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for US Global GO GOLD and Precious Metal Miners ETF (GOAU) is 16.47%, while Sprott Active Gold & Silver Miners ETF (GBUG) has a volatility of 19.23%. This indicates that GOAU experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than GBUG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GOAU	GBUG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	16.47%	19.23%	-2.76%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	39.63%	42.45%	-2.82%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	47.71%	50.44%	-2.73%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	36.95%	48.64%	-11.69%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	35.74%	48.64%	-12.90%

GOAU vs. GBUG - Expense Ratio Comparison

GOAU has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is lower than GBUG's 0.89% expense ratio.

Dividends

GOAU vs. GBUG - Dividend Comparison

GOAU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.07%, less than GBUG's 1.76% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
GBUG Sprott Active Gold & Silver Miners ETF	1.76%	1.56%	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 GBUG in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, GOAU and GBUG 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 is riskier, GOAU or GBUG?

GBUG has higher volatility (19.23%) compared to GOAU (16.47%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GOAU dropped -55.41% vs GBUG's -36.90%.

Which ETF is better, GOAU or GBUG?

On 1-year performance, GBUG leads with 55.70% vs 30.69% for GOAU. On fees, GOAU is cheaper at 0.60% per year. On volatility, GOAU has been the lower-risk option at 16.47%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, GOAU or GBUG?

Over the 1-year period, GBUG has performed better with a 55.70% return vs 30.69%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, GOAU or GBUG?

GOAU is cheaper with a 0.60% expense ratio, compared with 0.89% for GBUG.

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

GBUG has the higher dividend yield at 1.76%, compared with 1.07% for GOAU.

What is the main difference between GOAU and GBUG?

They also come from different issuers: US Global and Sprott. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for GOAU and 0.89% for GBUG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GBUG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.11 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.