GVUS vs. AAAU

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

GVUS (Goldman Sachs MarketBeta Russell 1000 Value Equity ETF) and AAAU (Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - GVUS is a Large Cap Value Equities fund tracking the Russell 1000 Value 40 Act Daily Capped Index - Benchmark TR Gross, while AAAU is a Gold fund tracking the LBMA Gold PM Price. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, GVUS returned 28.38% vs 21.51% for AAAU. At a 0.19 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. GVUS charges 0.12%/yr vs 0.18%/yr for AAAU.

Performance

GVUS vs. AAAU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Goldman Sachs MarketBeta Russell 1000 Value Equity ETF (GVUS) 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, GVUS achieves a 15.43% return, which is significantly higher than AAAU's -4.75% return.

GVUS

• 1D: -0.93%
• 1M: 2.38%
• YTD: 15.43%
• 6M: 14.79%
• 1Y: 28.38%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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)

GVUS vs. AAAU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
GVUS Goldman Sachs MarketBeta Russell 1000 Value Equity ETF	15.43%	15.90%	14.08%	5.51%
AAAU Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF	-4.75%	64.06%	26.91%	0.89%

Correlation

The correlation between GVUS and AAAU is 0.29, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.29
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 30, 2023	0.19

Return for Risk

GVUS vs. AAAU — Risk / Return Rank

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

GVUS

GVUS Risk / Return Rank: 86
GVUS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 86
GVUS Sortino Ratio Rank: 88
GVUS Omega Ratio Rank: 84
GVUS Calmar Ratio Rank: 85
GVUS Martin Ratio Rank: 88

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.

GVUS vs. AAAU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Goldman Sachs MarketBeta Russell 1000 Value Equity ETF (GVUS) 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.

	GVUS	AAAU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.54	0.79	+1.75
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.57	1.15	+2.42
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.46	1.17	+0.29
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.27	0.89	+3.38
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	17.63	2.39	+15.24

GVUS vs. AAAU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GVUS Sharpe Ratio is 2.54, which is higher than the AAAU Sharpe Ratio of 0.79. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GVUS 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

GVUS vs. AAAU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GVUS drawdown since its inception was -15.82%, smaller than the maximum AAAU drawdown of -24.38%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GVUS and AAAU.

Drawdown Indicators

	GVUS	AAAU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-15.82%	-24.38%	+8.56%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.68%	-24.38%	+17.70%
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	-1.00%	-23.83%	+22.83%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.98%	-6.28%	+4.30%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.61%	9.05%	-7.44%

Volatility

GVUS vs. AAAU - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Goldman Sachs MarketBeta Russell 1000 Value Equity ETF (GVUS) is 3.89%, while Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF (AAAU) has a volatility of 8.16%. This indicates that GVUS 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

	GVUS	AAAU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.89%	8.16%	-4.27%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.65%	24.16%	-15.51%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.24%	27.30%	-16.06%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.33%	18.08%	-4.75%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	13.33%	17.16%	-3.83%

GVUS vs. AAAU - Expense Ratio Comparison

GVUS has a 0.12% expense ratio, which is lower than AAAU's 0.18% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

GVUS vs. AAAU - Dividend Comparison

GVUS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.56%, 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%
GVUS Goldman Sachs MarketBeta Russell 1000 Value Equity ETF	1.56%	1.77%	2.04%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GVUS and AAAU in my portfolio?

GVUS and AAAU have a correlation of 0.29, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, GVUS or AAAU?

AAAU has higher volatility (8.16%) compared to GVUS (3.89%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GVUS dropped -15.82% vs AAAU's -24.38%.

Which ETF is better, GVUS or AAAU?

On 1-year performance, GVUS leads with 28.38% vs 21.51% for AAAU. On fees, GVUS is cheaper at 0.12% per year. On volatility, GVUS has been the lower-risk option at 3.89%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, GVUS or AAAU?

Over the 1-year period, GVUS has performed better with a 28.38% return vs 21.51%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, GVUS or AAAU?

GVUS is cheaper with a 0.12% expense ratio, compared with 0.18% for AAAU.

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

GVUS has the higher dividend yield at 1.56%, compared with 0.00% for AAAU.

What is the main difference between GVUS and AAAU?

GVUS is categorized as Large Cap Value Equities, while AAAU is Gold. GVUS tracks Russell 1000 Value 40 Act Daily Capped Index - Benchmark TR Gross, while AAAU tracks LBMA Gold PM Price. Their fees differ too: 0.12% for GVUS and 0.18% for AAAU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GVUS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.54 vs 0.79), 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.