LEGR vs. GDX

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

LEGR (First Trust Indxx Innovative Transaction & Process ETF) and GDX (VanEck Gold Miners ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - LEGR is a Blockchain fund tracking the Indxx Blockchain Index, while GDX is a Gold fund tracking the NYSE MarketVector Global Gold Miners Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, LEGR returned 11.61%/yr vs 17.51%/yr for GDX. At a 0.27 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. LEGR charges 0.65%/yr vs 0.51%/yr for GDX.

Performance

LEGR vs. GDX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Indxx Innovative Transaction & Process ETF (LEGR) 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, LEGR achieves a 11.18% return, which is significantly higher than GDX's -6.69% return.

LEGR

• 1D: 0.92%
• 1M: 2.28%
• YTD: 11.18%
• 6M: 13.29%
• 1Y: 27.31%
• 3Y*: 22.32%
• 5Y*: 11.61%
• 10Y*: —

GDX

• 1D: 2.97%
• 1M: -16.83%
• YTD: -6.69%
• 6M: -5.89%
• 1Y: 50.59%
• 3Y*: 38.96%
• 5Y*: 17.51%
• 10Y*: 13.29%

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

LEGR vs. GDX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
LEGR First Trust Indxx Innovative Transaction & Process ETF	11.18%	30.83%	16.25%	22.79%	-19.01%	17.91%	18.73%	27.99%	-14.65%
GDX VanEck Gold Miners ETF	-6.69%	154.77%	10.63%	9.98%	-9.01%	-9.52%	23.66%	39.84%	-13.81%

Correlation

The correlation between LEGR and GDX is 0.40, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.40
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.38
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.38
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 25, 2018	0.27

The correlation between LEGR and GDX shifts across timeframes, from 0.27 (all time) to 0.40 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

LEGR vs. GDX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	LEGR	GDX
Financial Services	42.5%	-
Technology	27.3%	-
Communication Services	8.9%	-
Consumer Cyclical	8.5%	-
Industrials	5.6%	-
Utilities	2.1%	-
Basic Materials	1.6%	100.0%
Consumer Defensive	1.4%	-
Healthcare	1.3%	-
Energy	0.8%	-
Real Estate	-	-

Return for Risk

LEGR vs. GDX — Risk / Return Rank

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

LEGR

LEGR Risk / Return Rank: 63
LEGR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 67
LEGR Sortino Ratio Rank: 65
LEGR Omega Ratio Rank: 64
LEGR Calmar Ratio Rank: 60
LEGR Martin Ratio Rank: 61

GDX

GDX Risk / Return Rank: 33
GDX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 34
GDX Sortino Ratio Rank: 31
GDX Omega Ratio Rank: 36
GDX Calmar Ratio Rank: 32
GDX Martin Ratio Rank: 30

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.

LEGR vs. GDX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Indxx Innovative Transaction & Process ETF (LEGR) 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.

	LEGR	GDX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.91	1.09	+0.83
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.61	1.51	+1.10
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.21	+0.13
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.64	1.40	+1.24
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.72	3.87	+5.85

LEGR vs. GDX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current LEGR Sharpe Ratio is 1.91, which is higher than the GDX Sharpe Ratio of 1.09. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of LEGR 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

LEGR vs. GDX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum LEGR drawdown since its inception was -36.12%, smaller than the maximum GDX drawdown of -80.34%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for LEGR and GDX.

Drawdown Indicators

	LEGR	GDX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-36.12%	-80.34%	+44.22%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.40%	-36.28%	+25.88%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.25%	-36.28%	+22.03%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-31.45%	-46.51%	+15.06%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-49.79%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.56%	-30.91%	+28.35%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.60%	-40.41%	+33.81%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.82%	13.11%	-10.29%

Volatility

LEGR vs. GDX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust Indxx Innovative Transaction & Process ETF (LEGR) is 5.87%, while VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX) has a volatility of 17.20%. This indicates that LEGR 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

	LEGR	GDX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.87%	17.20%	-11.33%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.07%	39.15%	-27.08%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.34%	46.89%	-32.55%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.07%	36.74%	-19.67%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.33%	37.34%	-17.01%

LEGR vs. GDX - Expense Ratio Comparison

LEGR has a 0.65% expense ratio, which is higher than GDX's 0.51% expense ratio.

Dividends

LEGR vs. GDX - Dividend Comparison

LEGR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.68%, more than GDX's 0.79% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GDX VanEck Gold Miners ETF	0.79%	0.74%	1.19%	1.61%	1.66%	1.67%	0.53%	0.67%	0.50%	0.76%	0.26%	0.85%
LEGR First Trust Indxx Innovative Transaction & Process ETF	1.68%	1.84%	2.40%	2.56%	2.64%	1.80%	0.95%	2.04%	1.30%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both LEGR and GDX in my portfolio?

LEGR and GDX have a correlation of 0.40, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, LEGR or GDX?

GDX has higher volatility (17.20%) compared to LEGR (5.87%). In terms of maximum drawdown, LEGR dropped -36.12% vs GDX's -80.34%.

Which ETF is better, LEGR or GDX?

On 5-year performance, GDX leads with 17.51% vs 11.61% for LEGR. On fees, GDX is cheaper at 0.51% per year. On volatility, LEGR has been the lower-risk option at 5.87%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, LEGR or GDX?

Over the 5-year period, GDX has performed better with a 17.51% return vs 11.61%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, LEGR or GDX?

GDX is cheaper with a 0.51% expense ratio, compared with 0.65% for LEGR.

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

LEGR has the higher dividend yield at 1.68%, compared with 0.79% for GDX.

What is the main difference between LEGR and GDX?

LEGR is categorized as Blockchain, while GDX is Gold. LEGR tracks Indxx Blockchain Index, while GDX tracks NYSE MarketVector Global Gold Miners Index. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and VanEck. Their fees differ too: 0.65% for LEGR and 0.51% for GDX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

LEGR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.91 vs 1.09), 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.