IGLD vs. SGDJ

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

IGLD (FT Vest Gold Strategy Target Income ETF) and SGDJ (Sprott Junior Gold Miners ETF) are both Gold funds. IGLD is actively managed, while SGDJ is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, IGLD returned 12.76%/yr vs 17.28%/yr for SGDJ. A 0.73 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. IGLD charges 0.85%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for SGDJ.

Performance

IGLD vs. SGDJ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in FT Vest Gold Strategy Target Income ETF (IGLD) and Sprott Junior Gold Miners ETF (SGDJ). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with IGLD having a -5.55% return and SGDJ slightly higher at -5.38%.

IGLD

• 1D: -1.96%
• 1M: -8.08%
• YTD: -5.55%
• 6M: -8.37%
• 1Y: 14.83%
• 3Y*: 20.33%
• 5Y*: 12.76%
• 10Y*: —

SGDJ

• 1D: -5.01%
• 1M: -6.84%
• YTD: -5.38%
• 6M: -10.31%
• 1Y: 72.25%
• 3Y*: 50.80%
• 5Y*: 17.28%
• 10Y*: 10.08%

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

IGLD vs. SGDJ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
IGLD FT Vest Gold Strategy Target Income ETF	-5.55%	47.46%	19.36%	9.24%	-2.34%	4.30%
SGDJ Sprott Junior Gold Miners ETF	-5.38%	174.44%	19.35%	6.66%	-27.60%	0.08%

Correlation

The correlation between IGLD and SGDJ is 0.76, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.76
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.73
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.73
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 3, 2021	0.73

The correlation between IGLD and SGDJ has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.73 to 0.76 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

IGLD vs. SGDJ — Risk / Return Rank

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

IGLD

IGLD Risk / Return Rank: 18
IGLD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 19
IGLD Sortino Ratio Rank: 18
IGLD Omega Ratio Rank: 20
IGLD Calmar Ratio Rank: 17
IGLD Martin Ratio Rank: 18

SGDJ

SGDJ Risk / Return Rank: 39
SGDJ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 42
SGDJ Sortino Ratio Rank: 37
SGDJ Omega Ratio Rank: 40
SGDJ Calmar Ratio Rank: 41
SGDJ Martin Ratio Rank: 35

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.

IGLD vs. SGDJ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for FT Vest Gold Strategy Target Income ETF (IGLD) and Sprott Junior Gold Miners ETF (SGDJ). 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.

	IGLD	SGDJ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.61	1.43	-0.82
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.94	1.82	-0.87
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.14	1.25	-0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.68	1.97	-1.29
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.94	5.11	-3.18

IGLD vs. SGDJ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IGLD Sharpe Ratio is 0.61, which is lower than the SGDJ Sharpe Ratio of 1.43. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IGLD and SGDJ, 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

IGLD vs. SGDJ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IGLD drawdown since its inception was -21.90%, smaller than the maximum SGDJ drawdown of -59.27%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IGLD and SGDJ.

Drawdown Indicators

	IGLD	SGDJ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-21.90%	-59.27%	+37.37%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-21.90%	-36.84%	+14.94%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-21.90%	-36.84%	+14.94%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-21.90%	-52.66%	+30.76%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-59.27%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-21.20%	-31.02%	+9.82%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.37%	-26.25%	+20.88%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	7.68%	14.18%	-6.50%

Volatility

IGLD vs. SGDJ - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for FT Vest Gold Strategy Target Income ETF (IGLD) is 8.14%, while Sprott Junior Gold Miners ETF (SGDJ) has a volatility of 18.68%. This indicates that IGLD experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SGDJ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IGLD	SGDJ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.14%	18.68%	-10.54%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	22.34%	42.77%	-20.43%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	24.40%	50.78%	-26.38%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.48%	40.87%	-25.39%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.30%	40.96%	-25.66%

IGLD vs. SGDJ - Expense Ratio Comparison

IGLD has a 0.85% expense ratio, which is higher than SGDJ's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

IGLD vs. SGDJ - Dividend Comparison

IGLD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 19.29%, more than SGDJ's 8.85% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IGLD FT Vest Gold Strategy Target Income ETF	19.29%	9.91%	20.81%	7.85%	4.45%	2.24%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SGDJ Sprott Junior Gold Miners ETF	8.85%	8.37%	6.55%	4.55%	2.46%	2.20%	1.97%	0.65%	0.00%	0.14%	1.77%	0.85%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IGLD and SGDJ in my portfolio?

IGLD and SGDJ have a correlation of 0.76, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IGLD or SGDJ?

SGDJ has higher volatility (18.68%) compared to IGLD (8.14%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IGLD dropped -21.90% vs SGDJ's -59.27%.

Which ETF is better, IGLD or SGDJ?

On 5-year performance, SGDJ leads with 17.28% vs 12.76% for IGLD. On fees, SGDJ is cheaper at 0.50% per year. On volatility, IGLD has been the lower-risk option at 8.14%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IGLD or SGDJ?

Over the 5-year period, SGDJ has performed better with a 17.28% return vs 12.76%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IGLD or SGDJ?

SGDJ is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.85% for IGLD.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, IGLD or SGDJ?

IGLD has the higher dividend yield at 19.29%, compared with 8.85% for SGDJ.

What is the main difference between IGLD and SGDJ?

They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Sprott. Their fees differ too: 0.85% for IGLD and 0.50% for SGDJ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SGDJ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.43 vs 0.61), 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.