JEPQ vs. GDXJ

Last updated Jun 9, 2026

JEPQ (JPMorgan Nasdaq Equity Premium Income ETF) and GDXJ (VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - JEPQ is a Nasdaq-100 fund tracking the Nasdaq-100 Index, while GDXJ is a Gold fund tracking the MVIS Global Junior Gold Miners Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, JEPQ returned 20.04%/yr vs 42.13%/yr for GDXJ. At a 0.28 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. JEPQ charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.52%/yr for GDXJ.

Performance

JEPQ vs. GDXJ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in JPMorgan Nasdaq Equity Premium Income ETF (JEPQ) and VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF (GDXJ). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, JEPQ achieves a 7.44% return, which is significantly higher than GDXJ's -10.70% return.

JEPQ

• 1D: 1.24%
• 1M: 0.97%
• YTD: 7.44%
• 6M: 7.26%
• 1Y: 25.85%
• 3Y*: 20.04%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

GDXJ

• 1D: 1.01%
• 1M: -19.25%
• YTD: -10.70%
• 6M: -0.52%
• 1Y: 50.65%
• 3Y*: 42.13%
• 5Y*: 15.86%
• 10Y*: 11.53%

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

JEPQ vs. GDXJ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
JEPQ JPMorgan Nasdaq Equity Premium Income ETF	7.44%	15.18%	24.85%	36.28%	-11.16%
GDXJ VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF	-10.70%	172.28%	15.67%	7.12%	-16.97%

Correlation

The correlation between JEPQ and GDXJ is 0.36, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.36
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.25
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 4, 2022	0.28

The correlation between JEPQ and GDXJ shifts across timeframes, from 0.25 (3 years) to 0.36 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

JEPQ vs. GDXJ - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	JEPQ	GDXJ
Technology	54.0%	-
Communication Services	15.4%	-
Consumer Cyclical	12.8%	-
Consumer Defensive	7.1%	-
Healthcare	4.4%	-
Industrials	3.1%	-
Utilities	1.3%	-
Basic Materials	1.0%	100.0%
Energy	0.4%	-
Financial Services	0.4%	-
Real Estate	0.2%	-

Return for Risk

JEPQ vs. GDXJ — Risk / Return Rank

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

JEPQ

JEPQ Risk / Return Rank: 73
JEPQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 73
JEPQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 68
JEPQ Omega Ratio Rank: 79
JEPQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 65
JEPQ Martin Ratio Rank: 80

GDXJ

GDXJ Risk / Return Rank: 31
GDXJ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 30
GDXJ Sortino Ratio Rank: 29
GDXJ Omega Ratio Rank: 33
GDXJ Calmar Ratio Rank: 32
GDXJ Martin Ratio Rank: 29

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.

JEPQ vs. GDXJ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for JPMorgan Nasdaq Equity Premium Income ETF (JEPQ) and VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF (GDXJ). 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.

	JEPQ	GDXJ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.13	1.00	+1.13
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.79	1.45	+1.34
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.42	1.20	+0.22
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.95	1.43	+1.52
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.33	3.72	+10.62
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

JEPQ vs. GDXJ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current JEPQ Sharpe Ratio is 2.13, which is higher than the GDXJ Sharpe Ratio of 1.00. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of JEPQ and GDXJ, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	JEPQ	GDXJ	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.13	1.00	+1.13
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.39	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.26	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.96	0.05	+0.92

Drawdowns

JEPQ vs. GDXJ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum JEPQ drawdown since its inception was -20.07%, smaller than the maximum GDXJ drawdown of -88.66%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for JEPQ and GDXJ.

Drawdown Indicators

	JEPQ	GDXJ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-20.07%	-88.66%	+68.59%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.82%	-35.60%	+26.78%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.07%	-35.60%	+15.53%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-50.99%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-57.77%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.02%	-34.94%	+32.92%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.42%	-60.48%	+57.06%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.81%	13.67%	-11.86%

Volatility

JEPQ vs. GDXJ - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for JPMorgan Nasdaq Equity Premium Income ETF (JEPQ) is 3.65%, while VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF (GDXJ) has a volatility of 17.66%. This indicates that JEPQ experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than GDXJ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	JEPQ	GDXJ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.65%	17.66%	-14.01%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.66%	42.71%	-33.05%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.19%	50.84%	-38.65%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.67%	41.34%	-24.67%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.67%	44.15%	-27.48%

JEPQ vs. GDXJ - Expense Ratio Comparison

JEPQ has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is lower than GDXJ's 0.52% expense ratio.

Dividends

JEPQ vs. GDXJ - Dividend Comparison

JEPQ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 10.26%, more than GDXJ's 2.61% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GDXJ VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF	2.61%	2.33%	2.61%	0.72%	0.51%	1.78%	1.58%	0.39%	0.45%	0.03%	4.78%	0.72%
JEPQ JPMorgan Nasdaq Equity Premium Income ETF	10.26%	10.53%	9.65%	10.03%	9.44%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both JEPQ and GDXJ in my portfolio?

JEPQ and GDXJ have a correlation of 0.36, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, JEPQ or GDXJ?

GDXJ has higher volatility (17.66%) compared to JEPQ (3.65%). In terms of maximum drawdown, JEPQ dropped -20.07% vs GDXJ's -88.66%.

Which ETF is better, JEPQ or GDXJ?

On 3-year performance, GDXJ leads with 42.13% vs 20.04% for JEPQ. On fees, JEPQ is cheaper at 0.35% per year. On volatility, JEPQ has been the lower-risk option at 3.65%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, JEPQ or GDXJ?

Over the 3-year period, GDXJ has performed better with a 42.13% return vs 20.04%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, JEPQ or GDXJ?

JEPQ is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.52% for GDXJ.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, JEPQ or GDXJ?

JEPQ has the higher dividend yield at 10.26%, compared with 2.61% for GDXJ.

What is the main difference between JEPQ and GDXJ?

JEPQ is categorized as Nasdaq-100, while GDXJ is Gold. JEPQ tracks Nasdaq-100 Index, while GDXJ tracks MVIS Global Junior Gold Miners Index. They also come from different issuers: JPMorgan and VanEck. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for JEPQ and 0.52% for GDXJ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

JEPQ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.13 vs 1.00), 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.