KRE vs. GLD

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

KRE (SPDR S&P Regional Banking ETF) and GLD (SPDR Gold Shares) are both exchange-traded funds - KRE is a Financials Equities fund tracking the S&P Regional Banks Select Industry Index, while GLD is a Gold fund tracking the LBMA Gold Price PM. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, KRE returned 7.80%/yr vs 13.12%/yr for GLD. At a correlation of -0.04, they often move in opposite directions. KRE charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.40%/yr for GLD.

Performance

KRE vs. GLD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SPDR S&P Regional Banking ETF (KRE) and SPDR Gold Shares (GLD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, KRE achieves a 5.35% return, which is significantly higher than GLD's 2.92% return. Over the past 10 years, KRE has underperformed GLD with an annualized return of 7.80%, while GLD has yielded a comparatively higher 13.12% annualized return.

KRE

• 1D: -2.39%
• 1M: -1.61%
• YTD: 5.35%
• 6M: 6.27%
• 1Y: 21.36%
• 3Y*: 20.63%
• 5Y*: 1.92%
• 10Y*: 7.80%

GLD

• 1D: -0.99%
• 1M: -1.65%
• YTD: 2.92%
• 6M: 5.43%
• 1Y: 32.04%
• 3Y*: 31.09%
• 5Y*: 18.15%
• 10Y*: 13.12%

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

KRE vs. GLD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
KRE SPDR S&P Regional Banking ETF	5.35%	10.21%	18.58%	-7.61%	-15.08%	39.29%	-7.43%	27.44%	-18.81%	7.49%
GLD SPDR Gold Shares	2.92%	63.68%	26.66%	12.69%	-0.77%	-4.15%	24.81%	17.86%	-1.94%	12.81%

Correlation

The correlation between KRE and GLD is 0.08, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.08
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.07
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.04
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	-0.08
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 23, 2006	-0.04

The correlation between KRE and GLD shifts across timeframes, from -0.08 (10 years) to 0.08 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

KRE vs. GLD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	KRE	GLD
Financial Services	100.0%	-
Basic Materials	-	100.0%
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

KRE vs. GLD — Risk / Return Rank

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

KRE

KRE Risk / Return Rank: 26
KRE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 25
KRE Sortino Ratio Rank: 25
KRE Omega Ratio Rank: 26
KRE Calmar Ratio Rank: 29
KRE Martin Ratio Rank: 26

GLD

GLD Risk / Return Rank: 32
GLD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 32
GLD Sortino Ratio Rank: 29
GLD Omega Ratio Rank: 35
GLD Calmar Ratio Rank: 33
GLD Martin Ratio Rank: 28

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.

KRE vs. GLD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR S&P Regional Banking ETF (KRE) and SPDR Gold Shares (GLD). 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.

	KRE	GLD	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	0.92	1.21	-0.29
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	1.39	1.60	-0.22
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.18	1.24	-0.06
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.44	1.68	-0.24
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	3.72	4.15	-0.43
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

KRE vs. GLD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current KRE Sharpe Ratio is 0.92, which is comparable to the GLD Sharpe Ratio of 1.21. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of KRE and GLD, 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

	KRE	GLD	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.92	1.21	-0.29
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.06	1.01	-0.95
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.24	0.83	-0.58
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.13	0.60	-0.47

Drawdowns

KRE vs. GLD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum KRE drawdown since its inception was -68.54%, which is greater than GLD's maximum drawdown of -45.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for KRE and GLD.

Drawdown Indicators

	KRE	GLD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-68.54%	-45.56%	-22.98%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.95%	-19.21%	+4.26%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-28.20%	-19.21%	-8.99%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-52.69%	-21.03%	-31.66%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-54.92%	-22.00%	-32.92%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-7.27%	-17.75%	+10.48%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-21.90%	-16.16%	-5.74%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.75%	7.73%	-1.98%

Volatility

KRE vs. GLD - Volatility Comparison

SPDR S&P Regional Banking ETF (KRE) has a higher volatility of 6.14% compared to SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) at 5.51%. This indicates that KRE's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than GLD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	KRE	GLD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.14%	5.51%	+0.63%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.84%	23.16%	-7.32%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	23.37%	26.61%	-3.24%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	29.98%	18.00%	+11.98%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	31.92%	15.95%	+15.97%

KRE vs. GLD - Expense Ratio Comparison

KRE has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is lower than GLD's 0.40% expense ratio.

Dividends

KRE vs. GLD - Dividend Comparison

KRE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.32%, while GLD has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GLD SPDR Gold Shares	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
KRE SPDR S&P Regional Banking ETF	2.32%	2.45%	2.59%	2.99%	2.51%	1.97%	2.78%	2.21%	2.48%	1.40%	1.40%	1.80%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both KRE and GLD in my portfolio?

KRE and GLD have a correlation of 0.08, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, KRE or GLD?

KRE has higher volatility (6.14%) compared to GLD (5.51%). In terms of maximum drawdown, KRE dropped -68.54% vs GLD's -45.56%.

Which ETF is better, KRE or GLD?

On 10-year performance, GLD leads with 13.12% vs 7.80% for KRE. On fees, KRE is cheaper at 0.35% per year. On volatility, GLD has been the lower-risk option at 5.51%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, KRE or GLD?

Over the 10-year period, GLD has performed better with a 13.12% return vs 7.80%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, KRE or GLD?

KRE is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.40% for GLD.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, KRE or GLD?

KRE has the higher dividend yield at 2.32%, compared with 0.00% for GLD.

What is the main difference between KRE and GLD?

KRE is categorized as Financials Equities, while GLD is Gold. KRE tracks S&P Regional Banks Select Industry Index, while GLD tracks LBMA Gold Price PM. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for KRE and 0.40% for GLD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GLD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.21 vs 0.92), 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.