HVAC vs. GDE

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

HVAC (AdvisorShares HVAC and Industrials ETF) and GDE (WisdomTree Efficient Gold Plus Equity Strategy Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - HVAC is a Industrials Equities fund actively managed by AdvisorShares, while GDE is a Gold fund actively managed by WisdomTree. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, HVAC returned 62.74% vs 43.92% for GDE. At a 0.45 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. HVAC charges 1.00%/yr vs 0.20%/yr for GDE.

Performance

HVAC vs. GDE - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in AdvisorShares HVAC and Industrials ETF (HVAC) and WisdomTree Efficient Gold Plus Equity Strategy Fund (GDE). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, HVAC achieves a 39.55% return, which is significantly higher than GDE's 2.73% return.

HVAC

• 1D: 2.59%
• 1M: 9.02%
• YTD: 39.55%
• 6M: 36.71%
• 1Y: 62.74%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

GDE

• 1D: -1.07%
• 1M: -7.12%
• YTD: 2.73%
• 6M: -0.30%
• 1Y: 43.92%
• 3Y*: 42.34%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

HVAC vs. GDE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
HVAC AdvisorShares HVAC and Industrials ETF	39.55%	23.15%
GDE WisdomTree Efficient Gold Plus Equity Strategy Fund	2.73%	60.72%

Correlation

The correlation between HVAC and GDE is 0.44, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.44
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 4, 2025	0.45

Return for Risk

HVAC vs. GDE — Risk / Return Rank

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

HVAC

HVAC Risk / Return Rank: 70
HVAC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 70
HVAC Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
HVAC Omega Ratio Rank: 60
HVAC Calmar Ratio Rank: 83
HVAC Martin Ratio Rank: 78

GDE

GDE Risk / Return Rank: 40
GDE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 43
GDE Sortino Ratio Rank: 37
GDE Omega Ratio Rank: 43
GDE Calmar Ratio Rank: 40
GDE Martin Ratio Rank: 36

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.

HVAC vs. GDE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for AdvisorShares HVAC and Industrials ETF (HVAC) and WisdomTree Efficient Gold Plus Equity Strategy Fund (GDE). 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.

	HVAC	GDE	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.18	1.46	+0.72
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.70	1.88	+0.81
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.36	1.27	+0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.25	1.95	+2.30
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.41	5.49	+8.92

HVAC vs. GDE - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current HVAC Sharpe Ratio is 2.18, which is higher than the GDE Sharpe Ratio of 1.46. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of HVAC and GDE, 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

HVAC vs. GDE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum HVAC drawdown since its inception was -21.22%, smaller than the maximum GDE drawdown of -32.01%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for HVAC and GDE.

Drawdown Indicators

	HVAC	GDE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-21.22%	-32.01%	+10.79%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.83%	-22.66%	+7.83%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-22.66%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-16.89%	+16.89%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.98%	-7.96%	+3.98%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.37%	8.03%	-3.66%

Volatility

HVAC vs. GDE - Volatility Comparison

AdvisorShares HVAC and Industrials ETF (HVAC) and WisdomTree Efficient Gold Plus Equity Strategy Fund (GDE) have volatilities of 11.32% and 11.06%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	HVAC	GDE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	11.32%	11.06%	+0.26%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	24.03%	26.33%	-2.30%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	28.99%	30.21%	-1.22%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	30.05%	27.12%	+2.93%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	30.05%	27.12%	+2.93%

HVAC vs. GDE - Expense Ratio Comparison

HVAC has a 1.00% expense ratio, which is higher than GDE's 0.20% expense ratio.

Dividends

HVAC vs. GDE - Dividend Comparison

HVAC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.14%, less than GDE's 4.21% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
GDE WisdomTree Efficient Gold Plus Equity Strategy Fund	4.21%	4.32%	7.14%	2.22%	0.81%
HVAC AdvisorShares HVAC and Industrials ETF	0.14%	0.19%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both HVAC and GDE in my portfolio?

HVAC and GDE have a correlation of 0.44, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, HVAC or GDE?

HVAC has higher volatility (11.32%) compared to GDE (11.06%). In terms of maximum drawdown, HVAC dropped -21.22% vs GDE's -32.01%.

Which ETF is better, HVAC or GDE?

On 1-year performance, HVAC leads with 62.74% vs 43.92% for GDE. On fees, GDE is cheaper at 0.20% per year. On volatility, GDE has been the lower-risk option at 11.06%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, HVAC or GDE?

Over the 1-year period, HVAC has performed better with a 62.74% return vs 43.92%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, HVAC or GDE?

GDE is cheaper with a 0.20% expense ratio, compared with 1.00% for HVAC.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, HVAC or GDE?

GDE has the higher dividend yield at 4.21%, compared with 0.14% for HVAC.

What is the main difference between HVAC and GDE?

HVAC is categorized as Industrials Equities, while GDE is Gold. They also come from different issuers: AdvisorShares and WisdomTree. Their fees differ too: 1.00% for HVAC and 0.20% for GDE.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

HVAC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.18 vs 1.46), 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.