KGLD vs. SGOL

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

KGLD (Kurv Gold Enhanced Income ETF ) and SGOL (abrdn Physical Gold Shares ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - KGLD is a Derivative Income fund actively managed by Kurv, while SGOL is a Gold fund tracking the LBMA Gold Price PM ($/ozt). KGLD is actively managed, while SGOL is passively managed. Over the past year, KGLD returned 17.91% vs 19.03% for SGOL. With a 0.98 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. KGLD charges 1.00%/yr vs 0.17%/yr for SGOL.

Performance

KGLD vs. SGOL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Kurv Gold Enhanced Income ETF (KGLD) and abrdn Physical Gold Shares ETF (SGOL). 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 lower than SGOL's -7.25% return.

KGLD

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

SGOL

• 1D: -2.61%
• 1M: -4.99%
• 6M: -12.97%
• YTD: -7.25%
• 1Y: 19.03%
• 3Y*: 26.77%
• 5Y*: 16.77%
• 10Y*: 11.42%

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

KGLD vs. SGOL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
KGLD Kurv Gold Enhanced Income ETF	-7.88%	29.75%
SGOL abrdn Physical Gold Shares ETF	-7.25%	29.06%

Correlation

The correlation between KGLD and SGOL is 0.99 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.99
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 8, 2025	0.98

The correlation between KGLD and SGOL has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.98 to 0.99 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

KGLD vs. SGOL — 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

SGOL

SGOL Risk / Return Rank: 22
SGOL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 24
SGOL Sortino Ratio Rank: 22
SGOL Omega Ratio Rank: 26
SGOL Calmar Ratio Rank: 21
SGOL 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.

KGLD vs. SGOL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Kurv Gold Enhanced Income ETF (KGLD) and abrdn Physical Gold Shares ETF (SGOL). 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	SGOL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.62	0.69	-0.07
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.96	1.03	-0.07
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.14	1.15	-0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.64	0.73	-0.09
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.55	1.79	-0.24

KGLD vs. SGOL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current KGLD Sharpe Ratio is 0.62, which is comparable to the SGOL Sharpe Ratio of 0.69. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of KGLD and SGOL, 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. SGOL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum KGLD drawdown since its inception was -28.07%, smaller than the maximum SGOL drawdown of -45.51%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for KGLD and SGOL.

Drawdown Indicators

	KGLD	SGOL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-28.07%	-45.51%	+17.44%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-28.07%	-26.16%	-1.91%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-26.16%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-26.16%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-26.16%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-27.90%	-25.89%	-2.01%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.99%	-18.44%	+10.45%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	11.56%	10.65%	+0.91%

Volatility

KGLD vs. SGOL - Volatility Comparison

Kurv Gold Enhanced Income ETF (KGLD) and abrdn Physical Gold Shares ETF (SGOL) have volatilities of 7.48% and 7.56%, 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

	KGLD	SGOL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.48%	7.56%	-0.08%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	25.10%	23.95%	+1.15%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	28.99%	27.67%	+1.32%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	28.78%	18.28%	+10.50%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	28.78%	16.06%	+12.72%

KGLD vs. SGOL - Expense Ratio Comparison

KGLD has a 1.00% expense ratio, which is higher than SGOL's 0.17% expense ratio.

Dividends

KGLD vs. SGOL - Dividend Comparison

KGLD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 15.67%, while SGOL has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025
KGLD Kurv Gold Enhanced Income ETF	15.67%	4.59%
SGOL abrdn Physical Gold Shares ETF	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both KGLD and SGOL in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.99, KGLD and SGOL move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, KGLD or SGOL?

SGOL has higher volatility (7.56%) compared to KGLD (7.48%). In terms of maximum drawdown, KGLD dropped -28.07% vs SGOL's -45.51%.

Which ETF is better, KGLD or SGOL?

On 1-year performance, SGOL leads with 19.03% vs 17.91% for KGLD. On fees, SGOL is cheaper at 0.17% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, KGLD or SGOL?

Over the 1-year period, SGOL has performed better with a 19.03% 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 SGOL?

SGOL is cheaper with a 0.17% expense ratio, compared with 1.00% for KGLD.

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

KGLD has the higher dividend yield at 15.67%, compared with 0.00% for SGOL.

What is the main difference between KGLD and SGOL?

KGLD is categorized as Derivative Income, while SGOL is Gold. They also come from different issuers: Kurv and abrdn. Their fees differ too: 1.00% for KGLD and 0.17% for SGOL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SGOL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.69 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.