KGLD vs. GDX

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

KGLD (Kurv Gold Enhanced Income ETF ) and GDX (VanEck Gold Miners ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - KGLD is a Derivative Income fund actively managed by Kurv, while GDX is a Gold fund tracking the NYSE MarketVector Global Gold Miners Index. KGLD is actively managed, while GDX is passively managed. Over the past year, KGLD returned 17.91% vs 40.98% for GDX. Their correlation of 0.80 suggests significant overlap in exposure. KGLD charges 1.00%/yr vs 0.51%/yr for GDX.

Performance

KGLD vs. GDX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Kurv Gold Enhanced Income ETF (KGLD) and VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, KGLD achieves a -7.88% return, which is significantly higher than GDX's -14.46% return.

KGLD

• 1D: -2.53%
• 1M: -5.25%
• 6M: -13.85%
• YTD: -7.88%
• 1Y: 17.91%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

GDX

• 1D: -2.86%
• 1M: -8.32%
• 6M: -23.35%
• YTD: -14.46%
• 1Y: 40.98%
• 3Y*: 33.47%
• 5Y*: 17.75%
• 10Y*: 10.48%

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

KGLD vs. GDX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
KGLD Kurv Gold Enhanced Income ETF	-7.88%	29.75%
GDX VanEck Gold Miners ETF	-14.46%	62.48%

Correlation

The correlation between KGLD and GDX is 0.81, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.81
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 8, 2025	0.80

The correlation between KGLD and GDX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.80 to 0.81 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

KGLD vs. GDX — Risk / Return Rank

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

KGLD

KGLD Risk / Return Rank: 21
KGLD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 22
KGLD Sortino Ratio Rank: 20
KGLD Omega Ratio Rank: 24
KGLD Calmar Ratio Rank: 19
KGLD Martin Ratio Rank: 18

GDX

GDX Risk / Return Rank: 28
GDX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 29
GDX Sortino Ratio Rank: 28
GDX Omega Ratio Rank: 31
GDX Calmar Ratio Rank: 28
GDX Martin Ratio Rank: 25

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.

KGLD vs. GDX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Kurv Gold Enhanced Income ETF (KGLD) 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.

	KGLD	GDX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.62	0.86	-0.24
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.96	1.31	-0.35
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.14	1.18	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.64	1.12	-0.48
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.55	2.59	-1.04

KGLD vs. GDX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current KGLD Sharpe Ratio is 0.62, which is comparable to the GDX Sharpe Ratio of 0.86. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of KGLD and GDX, 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

KGLD vs. GDX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum KGLD drawdown since its inception was -28.07%, smaller than the maximum GDX drawdown of -80.34%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for KGLD and GDX.

Drawdown Indicators

	KGLD	GDX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-28.07%	-80.34%	+52.27%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-28.07%	-36.66%	+8.59%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-36.66%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-46.51%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-49.79%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-27.90%	-36.66%	+8.76%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.99%	-40.39%	+32.40%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	11.56%	15.85%	-4.29%

Volatility

KGLD vs. GDX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Kurv Gold Enhanced Income ETF (KGLD) is 7.48%, while VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX) has a volatility of 14.73%. This indicates that KGLD 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.

Volatility by Period

	KGLD	GDX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.48%	14.73%	-7.25%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	25.10%	39.96%	-14.86%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	28.99%	48.08%	-19.09%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	28.78%	37.07%	-8.29%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	28.78%	37.36%	-8.58%

KGLD vs. GDX - Expense Ratio Comparison

KGLD has a 1.00% expense ratio, which is higher than GDX's 0.51% expense ratio.

Dividends

KGLD vs. GDX - Dividend Comparison

KGLD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 15.67%, more than GDX's 0.86% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GDX VanEck Gold Miners ETF	0.86%	0.74%	1.19%	1.61%	1.66%	1.67%	0.53%	0.67%	0.50%	0.76%	0.26%	0.85%
KGLD Kurv Gold Enhanced Income ETF	15.67%	4.59%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both KGLD and GDX in my portfolio?

KGLD and GDX have a correlation of 0.81, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, KGLD or GDX?

GDX has higher volatility (14.73%) compared to KGLD (7.48%). In terms of maximum drawdown, KGLD dropped -28.07% vs GDX's -80.34%.

Which ETF is better, KGLD or GDX?

On 1-year performance, GDX leads with 40.98% vs 17.91% for KGLD. On fees, GDX is cheaper at 0.51% per year. On volatility, KGLD has been the lower-risk option at 7.48%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, KGLD or GDX?

Over the 1-year period, GDX has performed better with a 40.98% return vs 17.91%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, KGLD or GDX?

GDX is cheaper with a 0.51% expense ratio, compared with 1.00% for KGLD.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, KGLD or GDX?

KGLD has the higher dividend yield at 15.67%, compared with 0.86% for GDX.

What is the main difference between KGLD and GDX?

KGLD is categorized as Derivative Income, while GDX is Gold. They also come from different issuers: Kurv and VanEck. Their fees differ too: 1.00% for KGLD and 0.51% for GDX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GDX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.86 vs 0.62), 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.