GPRF vs. AAAU

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

GPRF (Goldman Sachs Access U.S. Preferred Stock and Hybrid Securities ETF) and AAAU (Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - GPRF is a Preferred Stock/Convertible Bonds fund tracking the FTSE Goldman Sachs US Preferred Stock and Hybrids Index, while AAAU is a Precious Metals fund tracking the LBMA Gold PM Price. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, GPRF returned 6.57% vs 32.29% for AAAU. At a 0.13 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. GPRF charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.18%/yr for AAAU.

Performance

GPRF vs. AAAU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Goldman Sachs Access U.S. Preferred Stock and Hybrid Securities ETF (GPRF) and Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF (AAAU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, GPRF achieves a 1.33% return, which is significantly lower than AAAU's 2.94% return.

GPRF

• 1D: -0.07%
• 1M: 0.14%
• YTD: 1.33%
• 6M: 1.66%
• 1Y: 6.57%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

AAAU

• 1D: -1.02%
• 1M: -1.68%
• YTD: 2.94%
• 6M: 5.50%
• 1Y: 32.29%
• 3Y*: 31.37%
• 5Y*: 18.39%
• 10Y*: —

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

GPRF vs. AAAU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
GPRF Goldman Sachs Access U.S. Preferred Stock and Hybrid Securities ETF	1.33%	6.17%	2.34%
AAAU Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF	2.94%	64.06%	7.32%

Correlation

The correlation between GPRF and AAAU is 0.18, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.18
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 2, 2024	0.13

GPRF vs. AAAU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	GPRF	AAAU
Financial Services	20.6%	-
Real Estate	3.4%	100.0%
Utilities	2.5%	-
Consumer Cyclical	0.9%	-
Communication Services	0.5%	-
Industrials	0.4%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Technology	-	-

Return for Risk

GPRF vs. AAAU — Risk / Return Rank

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

GPRF

GPRF Risk / Return Rank: 49
GPRF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 52
GPRF Sortino Ratio Rank: 52
GPRF Omega Ratio Rank: 62
GPRF Calmar Ratio Rank: 33
GPRF Martin Ratio Rank: 46

AAAU

AAAU Risk / Return Rank: 32
AAAU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 33
AAAU Sortino Ratio Rank: 29
AAAU Omega Ratio Rank: 36
AAAU Calmar Ratio Rank: 34
AAAU Martin Ratio Rank: 29

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.

GPRF vs. AAAU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Goldman Sachs Access U.S. Preferred Stock and Hybrid Securities ETF (GPRF) and Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF (AAAU). 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.

	GPRF	AAAU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.76	1.23	+0.52
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.50	1.63	+0.87
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	1.25	+0.13
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.57	1.70	-0.12
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.51	4.21	+3.30
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

GPRF vs. AAAU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GPRF Sharpe Ratio is 1.76, which is higher than the AAAU Sharpe Ratio of 1.23. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GPRF and AAAU, 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

	GPRF	AAAU	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.76	1.23	+0.52
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	1.04	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.37	1.09	+0.29

Drawdowns

GPRF vs. AAAU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GPRF drawdown since its inception was -4.36%, smaller than the maximum AAAU drawdown of -21.63%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GPRF and AAAU.

Drawdown Indicators

	GPRF	AAAU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-4.36%	-21.63%	+17.27%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-4.20%	-19.13%	+14.93%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-19.13%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-20.94%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.78%	-17.68%	+16.90%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.89%	-6.18%	+5.29%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.88%	7.69%	-6.81%

Volatility

GPRF vs. AAAU - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Goldman Sachs Access U.S. Preferred Stock and Hybrid Securities ETF (GPRF) is 0.78%, while Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF (AAAU) has a volatility of 5.50%. This indicates that GPRF experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than AAAU based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GPRF	AAAU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.78%	5.50%	-4.72%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	3.13%	22.94%	-19.81%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.76%	26.33%	-22.57%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	3.94%	17.83%	-13.89%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	3.94%	16.99%	-13.05%

GPRF vs. AAAU - Expense Ratio Comparison

GPRF has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is higher than AAAU's 0.18% expense ratio.

Dividends

GPRF vs. AAAU - Dividend Comparison

GPRF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.65%, while AAAU has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
AAAU Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
GPRF Goldman Sachs Access U.S. Preferred Stock and Hybrid Securities ETF	5.65%	5.38%	2.10%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GPRF and AAAU in my portfolio?

GPRF and AAAU have a correlation of 0.18, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, GPRF or AAAU?

AAAU has higher volatility (5.50%) compared to GPRF (0.78%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GPRF dropped -4.36% vs AAAU's -21.63%.

Which ETF is better, GPRF or AAAU?

On 1-year performance, AAAU leads with 32.29% vs 6.57% for GPRF. On fees, AAAU is cheaper at 0.18% per year. On volatility, GPRF has been the lower-risk option at 0.78%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, GPRF or AAAU?

Over the 1-year period, AAAU has performed better with a 32.29% return vs 6.57%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, GPRF or AAAU?

AAAU is cheaper with a 0.18% expense ratio, compared with 0.45% for GPRF.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, GPRF or AAAU?

GPRF has the higher dividend yield at 5.65%, compared with 0.00% for AAAU.

What is the main difference between GPRF and AAAU?

GPRF is categorized as Preferred Stock/Convertible Bonds, while AAAU is Precious Metals. GPRF tracks FTSE Goldman Sachs US Preferred Stock and Hybrids Index, while AAAU tracks LBMA Gold PM Price. Their fees differ too: 0.45% for GPRF and 0.18% for AAAU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GPRF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.76 vs 1.23), 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.