GSGO vs. AAAU

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

GSGO (Goldman Sachs Growth Opportunities ETF) and AAAU (Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - GSGO is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund actively managed by Goldman Sachs, while AAAU is a Gold fund tracking the LBMA Gold PM Price. GSGO is actively managed, while AAAU is passively managed. At a 0.37 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. GSGO charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.18%/yr for AAAU.

Performance

GSGO vs. AAAU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Goldman Sachs Growth Opportunities ETF (GSGO) 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, GSGO achieves a 8.99% return, which is significantly higher than AAAU's -2.94% return.

GSGO

• 1D: -1.28%
• 1M: -0.07%
• YTD: 8.99%
• 6M: 8.32%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

AAAU

• 1D: -0.65%
• 1M: -7.07%
• YTD: -2.94%
• 6M: -5.73%
• 1Y: 24.21%
• 3Y*: 29.48%
• 5Y*: 18.53%
• 10Y*: —

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

GSGO vs. AAAU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
GSGO Goldman Sachs Growth Opportunities ETF	8.99%	0.81%
AAAU Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF	-2.94%	5.49%

Correlation

The correlation between GSGO and AAAU is 0.37, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 17, 2025	0.37

Return for Risk

GSGO vs. AAAU — Risk / Return Rank

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

GSGO

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

AAAU

AAAU Risk / Return Rank: 24
AAAU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 26
AAAU Sortino Ratio Rank: 23
AAAU Omega Ratio Rank: 28
AAAU Calmar Ratio Rank: 22
AAAU Martin Ratio Rank: 22

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.

GSGO vs. AAAU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Goldman Sachs Growth Opportunities ETF (GSGO) 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.

	GSGO	AAAU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	0.89	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	1.26	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.19	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	1.00	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	2.72	—

Drawdowns

GSGO vs. AAAU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GSGO drawdown since its inception was -13.88%, smaller than the maximum AAAU drawdown of -24.38%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GSGO and AAAU.

Drawdown Indicators

	GSGO	AAAU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-13.88%	-24.38%	+10.50%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-24.38%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-24.38%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-24.38%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.79%	-22.38%	+18.59%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.00%	-6.27%	+3.27%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	8.92%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	GSGO	AAAU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	8.03%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	24.09%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.84%	27.28%	-8.44%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.84%	18.06%	+0.78%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.84%	17.15%	+1.69%

GSGO vs. AAAU - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

GSGO vs. AAAU - Dividend Comparison

Neither GSGO nor AAAU has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GSGO and AAAU in my portfolio?

GSGO and AAAU have a correlation of 0.37, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, GSGO or AAAU?

On fees, AAAU is cheaper at 0.18% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, GSGO or AAAU?

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

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

GSGO and AAAU have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between GSGO and AAAU?

GSGO is categorized as Large Cap Growth Equities, while AAAU is Gold. Their fees differ too: 0.45% for GSGO and 0.18% for AAAU.