HACK vs. GDX
HACK (Amplify Cybersecurity ETF) and GDX (VanEck Gold Miners ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - HACK is a Technology Equities fund tracking the Nasdaq ISE Cyber Security Select Index, while GDX is a Gold fund tracking the NYSE MarketVector Global Gold Miners Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, HACK returned 15.64%/yr vs 12.36%/yr for GDX. At a 0.15 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. HACK charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.51%/yr for GDX.
Performance
HACK vs. GDX - Performance Comparison
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Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, HACK achieves a 19.40% return, which is significantly higher than GDX's -9.46% return. Over the past 10 years, HACK has outperformed GDX with an annualized return of 15.64%, while GDX has yielded a comparatively lower 12.36% annualized return.
HACK
- 1D
- 1.24%
- 1M
- 1.17%
- YTD
- 19.40%
- 6M
- 17.34%
- 1Y
- 14.12%
- 3Y*
- 25.16%
- 5Y*
- 9.42%
- 10Y*
- 15.64%
GDX
- 1D
- -4.64%
- 1M
- -8.66%
- YTD
- -9.46%
- 6M
- -13.97%
- 1Y
- 47.29%
- 3Y*
- 39.25%
- 5Y*
- 19.30%
- 10Y*
- 12.36%
HACK vs. GDX - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
HACK Amplify Cybersecurity ETF | 19.40% | 7.97% | 23.49% | 37.44% | -28.16% | 7.03% | 41.51% | 23.39% | 6.61% | 19.68% |
GDX VanEck Gold Miners ETF | -9.46% | 154.77% | 10.63% | 9.98% | -9.01% | -9.52% | 23.66% | 39.84% | -8.77% | 11.99% |
Correlation
The correlation between HACK and GDX is 0.15, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 0.15 |
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period | 0.20 |
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.22 |
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 0.17 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 12, 2014 | 0.15 |
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Return for Risk
HACK vs. GDX — Risk / Return Rank
HACK
GDX
HACK vs. GDX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Amplify Cybersecurity ETF (HACK) and VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX). 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.
| HACK | GDX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | -0.45 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | -0.54 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.11 | 1.20 | -0.08 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 0.69 | 1.31 | -0.62 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 1.61 | 3.44 | -1.83 |
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Drawdowns
HACK vs. GDX - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum HACK drawdown since its inception was -42.68%, smaller than the maximum GDX drawdown of -80.34%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for HACK and GDX.
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Drawdown Indicators
| HACK | GDX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -42.68% | -80.34% | +37.66% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -20.67% | -36.28% | +15.61% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -21.90% | -36.28% | +14.38% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -38.68% | -46.51% | +7.83% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -38.68% | -49.79% | +11.11% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -8.93% | -32.96% | +24.03% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -11.62% | -40.40% | +28.78% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 8.80% | 13.78% | -4.98% |
Volatility
HACK vs. GDX - Volatility Comparison
The current volatility for Amplify Cybersecurity ETF (HACK) is 11.83%, while VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX) has a volatility of 17.61%. This indicates that HACK experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than GDX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
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Volatility by Period
| HACK | GDX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 11.83% | 17.61% | -5.78% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 21.94% | 40.05% | -18.11% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 26.06% | 47.64% | -21.58% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 24.30% | 36.89% | -12.59% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 23.25% | 37.37% | -14.12% |
HACK vs. GDX - Expense Ratio Comparison
HACK has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is higher than GDX's 0.51% expense ratio.
Dividends
HACK vs. GDX - Dividend Comparison
HACK's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.06%, less than GDX's 0.82% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
GDX VanEck Gold Miners ETF | 0.82% | 0.74% | 1.19% | 1.61% | 1.66% | 1.67% | 0.53% | 0.67% | 0.50% | 0.76% | 0.26% | 0.85% |
HACK Amplify Cybersecurity ETF | 0.06% | 0.07% | 0.14% | 0.20% | 0.24% | 0.26% | 1.11% | 0.14% | 0.09% | 0.01% | 1.23% | 0.00% |
Frequently Asked Questions
HACK and GDX have a correlation of 0.15, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
GDX has higher volatility (17.61%) compared to HACK (11.83%). In terms of maximum drawdown, HACK dropped -42.68% vs GDX's -80.34%.
On 10-year performance, HACK leads with 15.64% vs 12.36% for GDX. On fees, GDX is cheaper at 0.51% per year. On volatility, HACK has been the lower-risk option at 11.83%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
Over the 10-year period, HACK has performed better with a 15.64% return vs 12.36%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.
GDX is cheaper with a 0.51% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for HACK.
GDX has the higher dividend yield at 0.82%, compared with 0.06% for HACK.
HACK is categorized as Technology Equities, while GDX is Gold. HACK tracks Nasdaq ISE Cyber Security Select Index, while GDX tracks NYSE MarketVector Global Gold Miners Index. They also come from different issuers: Amplify and VanEck. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for HACK and 0.51% for GDX.
GDX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.00 vs 0.55), 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.
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