GSC vs. AAAU

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

GSC (Goldman Sachs Small Cap Core Equity ETF) and AAAU (Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - GSC is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Goldman Sachs, while AAAU is a Gold fund tracking the LBMA Gold PM Price. GSC is actively managed, while AAAU is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, GSC returned 24.30%/yr vs 18.07%/yr for AAAU. At a 0.05 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. GSC charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.18%/yr for AAAU.

Performance

GSC vs. AAAU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Goldman Sachs Small Cap Core Equity ETF (GSC) 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, GSC achieves a 21.55% return, which is significantly higher than AAAU's -4.75% return.

GSC

• 1D: -1.20%
• 1M: 7.98%
• YTD: 21.55%
• 6M: 18.78%
• 1Y: 33.32%
• 3Y*: 28.34%
• 5Y*: 24.30%
• 10Y*: 11.56%

AAAU

• 1D: -1.86%
• 1M: -8.80%
• YTD: -4.75%
• 6M: -8.61%
• 1Y: 21.51%
• 3Y*: 28.67%
• 5Y*: 18.07%
• 10Y*: —

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

GSC vs. AAAU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
GSC Goldman Sachs Small Cap Core Equity ETF	21.55%	6.29%	13.79%	33.52%	28.40%	58.09%	-33.08%	29.69%	-24.49%
AAAU Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF	-4.75%	64.06%	26.91%	12.96%	-0.50%	-4.01%	25.02%	18.17%	8.28%

Correlation

The correlation between GSC and AAAU is 0.22, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.22
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.11
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.08
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 15, 2018	0.05

The correlation between GSC and AAAU shifts across timeframes, from 0.05 (all time) to 0.22 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

GSC vs. AAAU — Risk / Return Rank

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

GSC

GSC Risk / Return Rank: 46
GSC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 10
GSC Sortino Ratio Rank: 89
GSC Omega Ratio Rank: 98
GSC Calmar Ratio Rank: 15
GSC Martin Ratio Rank: 19

AAAU

AAAU Risk / Return Rank: 22
AAAU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 23
AAAU Sortino Ratio Rank: 21
AAAU Omega Ratio Rank: 25
AAAU Calmar Ratio Rank: 20
AAAU Martin Ratio Rank: 21

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.

GSC vs. AAAU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Goldman Sachs Small Cap Core Equity ETF (GSC) 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.

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.

	GSC	AAAU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.08	0.79	-0.71
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.83	1.15	+2.68
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.99	1.17	+0.83
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.57	0.89	-0.31
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.98	2.39	-0.41

GSC vs. AAAU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GSC Sharpe Ratio is 0.08, which is lower than the AAAU Sharpe Ratio of 0.79. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GSC 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.

Drawdowns

GSC vs. AAAU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GSC drawdown since its inception was -88.63%, which is greater than AAAU's maximum drawdown of -24.38%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GSC and AAAU.

Drawdown Indicators

	GSC	AAAU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-88.63%	-24.38%	-64.25%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-58.25%	-24.38%	-33.87%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-58.25%	-24.38%	-33.87%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-58.25%	-24.38%	-33.87%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-66.06%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-27.81%	-23.83%	-3.98%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-59.18%	-6.28%	-52.90%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	16.91%	9.05%	+7.86%

Volatility

GSC vs. AAAU - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Goldman Sachs Small Cap Core Equity ETF (GSC) is 6.31%, while Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF (AAAU) has a volatility of 8.16%. This indicates that GSC 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

	GSC	AAAU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.31%	8.16%	-1.85%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	187.41%	24.16%	+163.25%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	403.80%	27.30%	+376.50%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	218.85%	18.08%	+200.77%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	160.44%	17.16%	+143.28%

GSC vs. AAAU - Expense Ratio Comparison

GSC has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is higher than AAAU's 0.18% expense ratio.

Dividends

GSC vs. AAAU - Dividend Comparison

GSC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.16%, while AAAU has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
AAAU Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
GSC Goldman Sachs Small Cap Core Equity ETF	0.16%	0.16%	0.66%	0.11%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GSC and AAAU in my portfolio?

GSC and AAAU have a correlation of 0.22, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, GSC or AAAU?

AAAU has higher volatility (8.16%) compared to GSC (6.31%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GSC dropped -88.63% vs AAAU's -24.38%.

Which ETF is better, GSC or AAAU?

On 5-year performance, GSC leads with 24.30% vs 18.07% for AAAU. On fees, AAAU is cheaper at 0.18% per year. On volatility, GSC has been the lower-risk option at 6.31%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, GSC or AAAU?

Over the 5-year period, GSC has performed better with a 24.30% return vs 18.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, GSC or AAAU?

AAAU is cheaper with a 0.18% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for GSC.

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

GSC has the higher dividend yield at 0.16%, compared with 0.00% for AAAU.

What is the main difference between GSC and AAAU?

GSC is categorized as Small Cap Blend Equities, while AAAU is Gold. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for GSC and 0.18% for AAAU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AAAU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.79 vs 0.08), 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.