GUNR vs. GNR

Last updated Jul 18, 2026

GUNR (FlexShares Morningstar Global Upstream Natural Resources Index Fund) and GNR (SPDR S&P Global Natural Resources ETF) are both Natural Resources funds - GUNR tracks the Morningstar Global Upstream Natural Resources Index while GNR tracks the S&P Global Natural Resources Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, GUNR returned 9.87%/yr vs 9.68%/yr for GNR. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. GUNR charges 0.46%/yr vs 0.40%/yr for GNR.

Performance

GUNR vs. GNR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in FlexShares Morningstar Global Upstream Natural Resources Index Fund (GUNR) and SPDR S&P Global Natural Resources ETF (GNR). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, GUNR achieves a 12.23% return, which is significantly lower than GNR's 13.35% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with GUNR having a 9.87% annualized return and GNR not far behind at 9.68%.

GUNR

• 1D: 0.71%
• 1M: -1.07%
• 6M: 5.01%
• YTD: 12.23%
• 1Y: 29.22%
• 3Y*: 10.59%
• 5Y*: 10.40%
• 10Y*: 9.87%

GNR

• 1D: 0.91%
• 1M: -1.49%
• 6M: 5.85%
• YTD: 13.35%
• 1Y: 29.85%
• 3Y*: 11.08%
• 5Y*: 10.30%
• 10Y*: 9.68%

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

GUNR vs. GNR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
GUNR FlexShares Morningstar Global Upstream Natural Resources Index Fund	12.23%	30.03%	-8.37%	-2.40%	14.83%	26.06%	0.46%	18.41%	-9.42%	18.74%
GNR SPDR S&P Global Natural Resources ETF	13.35%	28.68%	-8.27%	2.95%	10.20%	24.73%	-0.03%	16.49%	-13.19%	22.64%

Correlation

The correlation between GUNR and GNR is 0.97 - 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	0.97
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.97
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.98
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.98
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 22, 2011	0.97

The correlation between GUNR and GNR has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.97 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.

GUNR vs. GNR - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	GUNR	GNR
Basic Materials	51.4%	52.1%
Energy	30.6%	35.4%
Consumer Defensive	11.9%	4.7%
Utilities	4.8%	0.0%
Communication Services	1.7%	-
Real Estate	0.9%	0.8%
Technology	0.5%	-
Consumer Cyclical	0.4%	6.7%
Financial Services	0.0%	0.0%
Industrials	0.0%	0.2%
Healthcare	-	0.0%

Return for Risk

GUNR vs. GNR — Risk / Return Rank

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

GUNR

GUNR Risk / Return Rank: 66
GUNR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 72
GUNR Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
GUNR Omega Ratio Rank: 68
GUNR Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
GUNR Martin Ratio Rank: 60

GNR

GNR Risk / Return Rank: 65
GNR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 68
GNR Sortino Ratio Rank: 61
GNR Omega Ratio Rank: 65
GNR Calmar Ratio Rank: 69
GNR Martin Ratio Rank: 63

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.

GUNR vs. GNR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for FlexShares Morningstar Global Upstream Natural Resources Index Fund (GUNR) and SPDR S&P Global Natural Resources ETF (GNR). 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.

	GUNR	GNR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.85	1.75	+0.10
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.40	2.30	+0.10
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.31	+0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.51	2.73	-0.22
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.27	8.85	-0.58

GUNR vs. GNR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GUNR Sharpe Ratio is 1.85, which is comparable to the GNR Sharpe Ratio of 1.75. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GUNR and GNR, 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

GUNR vs. GNR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GUNR drawdown since its inception was -45.64%, smaller than the maximum GNR drawdown of -51.37%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GUNR and GNR.

Drawdown Indicators

	GUNR	GNR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-45.64%	-51.37%	+5.73%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.70%	-10.99%	-0.71%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.59%	-21.15%	+1.56%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.06%	-25.66%	+1.60%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-43.04%	-48.59%	+5.55%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-8.26%	-7.18%	-1.08%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.39%	-14.89%	+4.50%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.54%	3.38%	+0.16%

Volatility

GUNR vs. GNR - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for FlexShares Morningstar Global Upstream Natural Resources Index Fund (GUNR) is 4.32%, while SPDR S&P Global Natural Resources ETF (GNR) has a volatility of 4.73%. This indicates that GUNR experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than GNR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GUNR	GNR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.32%	4.73%	-0.41%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.06%	13.91%	-0.85%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.88%	17.10%	-1.22%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.99%	20.23%	-1.24%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.31%	21.76%	-1.45%

GUNR vs. GNR - Expense Ratio Comparison

GUNR has a 0.46% expense ratio, which is higher than GNR's 0.40% expense ratio.

Dividends

GUNR vs. GNR - Dividend Comparison

GUNR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.39%, less than GNR's 2.62% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GNR SPDR S&P Global Natural Resources ETF	2.62%	2.76%	4.73%	3.37%	4.37%	3.44%	2.78%	3.84%	3.51%	2.40%	2.06%	4.59%
GUNR FlexShares Morningstar Global Upstream Natural Resources Index Fund	2.39%	2.81%	3.39%	3.55%	4.12%	3.61%	2.79%	3.25%	3.27%	2.00%	1.73%	4.50%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GUNR and GNR in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.97, GUNR and GNR 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, GUNR or GNR?

GNR has higher volatility (4.73%) compared to GUNR (4.32%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GUNR dropped -45.64% vs GNR's -51.37%.

Which ETF is better, GUNR or GNR?

On 10-year performance, GUNR leads with 9.87% vs 9.68% for GNR. On fees, GNR is cheaper at 0.40% per year. On volatility, GUNR has been the lower-risk option at 4.32%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, GUNR or GNR?

Over the 10-year period, GUNR has performed better with a 9.87% return vs 9.68%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, GUNR or GNR?

GNR is cheaper with a 0.40% expense ratio, compared with 0.46% for GUNR.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, GUNR or GNR?

GNR has the higher dividend yield at 2.62%, compared with 2.39% for GUNR.

What is the main difference between GUNR and GNR?

GUNR tracks Morningstar Global Upstream Natural Resources Index, while GNR tracks S&P Global Natural Resources Index. They also come from different issuers: Northern Trust and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.46% for GUNR and 0.40% for GNR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GUNR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.85 vs 1.75), 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.