HAIL vs. GLD

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

HAIL (SPDR S&P Kensho Smart Mobility ETF) and GLD (SPDR Gold Shares) are both exchange-traded funds - HAIL is a Global Equities fund tracking the S&P Kensho Smart Transportation Index, while GLD is a Gold fund tracking the LBMA Gold Price PM. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, HAIL returned -7.00%/yr vs 17.84%/yr for GLD. At a 0.10 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. HAIL charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.40%/yr for GLD.

Performance

HAIL vs. GLD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SPDR S&P Kensho Smart Mobility ETF (HAIL) and SPDR Gold Shares (GLD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, HAIL achieves a 16.75% return, which is significantly higher than GLD's -4.79% return.

HAIL

• 1D: -3.39%
• 1M: -4.49%
• YTD: 16.75%
• 6M: 13.47%
• 1Y: 36.55%
• 3Y*: 9.90%
• 5Y*: -7.00%
• 10Y*: —

GLD

• 1D: -1.89%
• 1M: -8.82%
• YTD: -4.79%
• 6M: -8.78%
• 1Y: 21.29%
• 3Y*: 28.41%
• 5Y*: 17.84%
• 10Y*: 11.59%

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

HAIL vs. GLD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
HAIL SPDR S&P Kensho Smart Mobility ETF	16.75%	19.62%	-6.98%	9.65%	-45.72%	1.95%	84.33%	30.63%	-19.96%	-0.65%
GLD SPDR Gold Shares	-4.79%	63.68%	26.66%	12.69%	-0.77%	-4.15%	24.81%	17.86%	-1.94%	1.54%

Correlation

The correlation between HAIL and GLD 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 (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.20
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.15
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 27, 2017	0.11

The correlation between HAIL and GLD shifts across timeframes, from 0.10 (all time) to 0.29 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

HAIL vs. GLD — Risk / Return Rank

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

HAIL

HAIL Risk / Return Rank: 36
HAIL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 35
HAIL Sortino Ratio Rank: 34
HAIL Omega Ratio Rank: 32
HAIL Calmar Ratio Rank: 42
HAIL Martin Ratio Rank: 38

GLD

GLD Risk / Return Rank: 22
GLD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 23
GLD Sortino Ratio Rank: 21
GLD Omega Ratio Rank: 24
GLD Calmar Ratio Rank: 20
GLD Martin Ratio Rank: 20

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.

HAIL vs. GLD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR S&P Kensho Smart Mobility ETF (HAIL) and SPDR Gold Shares (GLD). 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.

	HAIL	GLD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.19	0.78	+0.41
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.71	1.13	+0.58
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.21	1.17	+0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.97	0.87	+1.10
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.59	2.35	+3.24

HAIL vs. GLD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current HAIL Sharpe Ratio is 1.19, which is higher than the GLD Sharpe Ratio of 0.78. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of HAIL and GLD, 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

HAIL vs. GLD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum HAIL drawdown since its inception was -65.98%, which is greater than GLD's maximum drawdown of -45.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for HAIL and GLD.

Drawdown Indicators

	HAIL	GLD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-65.98%	-45.56%	-20.42%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-18.64%	-24.46%	+5.82%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-40.96%	-24.46%	-16.50%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-63.01%	-24.46%	-38.55%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-24.46%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-38.42%	-23.91%	-14.51%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-31.61%	-16.17%	-15.44%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.56%	9.10%	-2.54%

Volatility

HAIL vs. GLD - Volatility Comparison

SPDR S&P Kensho Smart Mobility ETF (HAIL) has a higher volatility of 13.59% compared to SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) at 8.18%. This indicates that HAIL's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than GLD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	HAIL	GLD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	13.59%	8.18%	+5.41%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	24.74%	24.38%	+0.36%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	30.90%	27.57%	+3.33%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	32.16%	18.24%	+13.92%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	31.87%	16.04%	+15.83%

HAIL vs. GLD - Expense Ratio Comparison

HAIL has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is higher than GLD's 0.40% expense ratio.

Dividends

HAIL vs. GLD - Dividend Comparison

HAIL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.64%, while GLD has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
GLD SPDR Gold Shares	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
HAIL SPDR S&P Kensho Smart Mobility ETF	1.64%	2.00%	2.98%	2.62%	2.09%	1.36%	0.52%	1.17%	2.54%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both HAIL and GLD in my portfolio?

HAIL and GLD 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, HAIL or GLD?

HAIL has higher volatility (13.59%) compared to GLD (8.18%). In terms of maximum drawdown, HAIL dropped -65.98% vs GLD's -45.56%.

Which ETF is better, HAIL or GLD?

On 5-year performance, GLD leads with 17.84% vs -7.00% for HAIL. On fees, GLD is cheaper at 0.40% per year. On volatility, GLD has been the lower-risk option at 8.18%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, HAIL or GLD?

Over the 5-year period, GLD has performed better with a 17.84% return vs -7.00%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, HAIL or GLD?

GLD is cheaper with a 0.40% expense ratio, compared with 0.45% for HAIL.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, HAIL or GLD?

HAIL has the higher dividend yield at 1.64%, compared with 0.00% for GLD.

What is the main difference between HAIL and GLD?

HAIL is categorized as Global Equities, while GLD is Gold. HAIL tracks S&P Kensho Smart Transportation Index, while GLD tracks LBMA Gold Price PM. Their fees differ too: 0.45% for HAIL and 0.40% for GLD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

HAIL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.19 vs 0.78), 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.