LFEQ vs. GDX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

LFEQ (VanEck Long/Flat Trend ETF) and GDX (VanEck Gold Miners ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - LFEQ is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the Ned Davis Research CMG US Large Cap Long/Flat Index - USD, while GDX is a Gold fund tracking the NYSE MarketVector Global Gold Miners Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, LFEQ returned 9.91%/yr vs 18.69%/yr for GDX. At a 0.21 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. LFEQ charges 0.58%/yr vs 0.51%/yr for GDX.

Performance

LFEQ vs. GDX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in VanEck Long/Flat Trend ETF (LFEQ) 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, LFEQ achieves a 10.63% return, which is significantly higher than GDX's -0.90% return.

LFEQ

• 1D: -0.61%
• 1M: 5.08%
• YTD: 10.63%
• 6M: 10.69%
• 1Y: 27.35%
• 3Y*: 18.29%
• 5Y*: 9.91%
• 10Y*: —

GDX

• 1D: -3.46%
• 1M: -0.76%
• YTD: -0.90%
• 6M: 5.62%
• 1Y: 61.27%
• 3Y*: 41.00%
• 5Y*: 18.69%
• 10Y*: 13.98%

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

LFEQ vs. GDX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
LFEQ VanEck Long/Flat Trend ETF	10.63%	10.49%	24.30%	19.66%	-22.05%	27.97%	17.56%	24.07%	-5.55%	5.27%
GDX VanEck Gold Miners ETF	-0.90%	154.77%	10.63%	9.98%	-9.01%	-9.52%	23.66%	39.84%	-8.77%	0.89%

Correlation

The correlation between LFEQ and GDX is 0.34, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.34
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.31
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.28
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 6, 2017	0.21

The correlation between LFEQ and GDX shifts across timeframes, from 0.21 (all time) to 0.34 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

LFEQ vs. GDX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	LFEQ	GDX
Technology	33.6%	-
Financial Services	12.2%	-
Communication Services	10.5%	-
Consumer Cyclical	10.0%	-
Healthcare	9.5%	-
Industrials	8.5%	-
Consumer Defensive	5.3%	-
Energy	4.0%	-
Utilities	2.6%	-
Real Estate	2.0%	-
Basic Materials	1.9%	100.0%

Return for Risk

LFEQ vs. GDX — Risk / Return Rank

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

LFEQ

LFEQ Risk / Return Rank: 69
LFEQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 70
LFEQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 69
LFEQ Omega Ratio Rank: 69
LFEQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 62
LFEQ Martin Ratio Rank: 75

GDX

GDX Risk / Return Rank: 35
GDX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 37
GDX Sortino Ratio Rank: 32
GDX Omega Ratio Rank: 36
GDX Calmar Ratio Rank: 39
GDX Martin Ratio Rank: 33

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.

LFEQ vs. GDX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for VanEck Long/Flat Trend ETF (LFEQ) 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.

	LFEQ	GDX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.30	1.35	+0.94
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.16	1.76	+1.40
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.41	1.25	+0.17
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.06	2.00	+1.06
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.08	5.13	+8.96
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

LFEQ vs. GDX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current LFEQ Sharpe Ratio is 2.30, which is higher than the GDX Sharpe Ratio of 1.35. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of LFEQ 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.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	LFEQ	GDX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.30	1.35	+0.94
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.69	0.52	+0.18
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.38	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.67	0.13	+0.55

Drawdowns

LFEQ vs. GDX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum LFEQ drawdown since its inception was -35.19%, smaller than the maximum GDX drawdown of -80.34%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for LFEQ and GDX.

Drawdown Indicators

	LFEQ	GDX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-35.19%	-80.34%	+45.15%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.98%	-30.84%	+21.86%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.97%	-30.84%	+11.87%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.55%	-46.51%	+20.96%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-49.79%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.61%	-26.62%	+26.01%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.16%	-40.43%	+34.27%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.95%	11.99%	-10.04%

Volatility

LFEQ vs. GDX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for VanEck Long/Flat Trend ETF (LFEQ) is 2.90%, while VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX) has a volatility of 15.40%. This indicates that LFEQ 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

	LFEQ	GDX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.90%	15.40%	-12.50%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.09%	37.50%	-28.41%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.98%	45.49%	-33.51%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.36%	36.39%	-22.03%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.58%	37.18%	-19.60%

LFEQ vs. GDX - Expense Ratio Comparison

LFEQ has a 0.58% expense ratio, which is higher than GDX's 0.51% expense ratio.

Dividends

LFEQ vs. GDX - Dividend Comparison

LFEQ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.82%, more than GDX's 0.74% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GDX VanEck Gold Miners ETF	0.74%	0.74%	1.19%	1.61%	1.66%	1.67%	0.53%	0.67%	0.50%	0.76%	0.26%	0.85%
LFEQ VanEck Long/Flat Trend ETF	0.82%	0.90%	0.74%	1.56%	1.19%	0.37%	2.06%	1.45%	1.07%	0.79%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both LFEQ and GDX in my portfolio?

LFEQ and GDX have a correlation of 0.34, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, LFEQ or GDX?

GDX has higher volatility (15.40%) compared to LFEQ (2.90%). In terms of maximum drawdown, LFEQ dropped -35.19% vs GDX's -80.34%.

Which ETF is better, LFEQ or GDX?

On 5-year performance, GDX leads with 18.69% vs 9.91% for LFEQ. On fees, GDX is cheaper at 0.51% per year. On volatility, LFEQ has been the lower-risk option at 2.90%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, LFEQ or GDX?

Over the 5-year period, GDX has performed better with a 18.69% return vs 9.91%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, LFEQ or GDX?

GDX is cheaper with a 0.51% expense ratio, compared with 0.58% for LFEQ.

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

LFEQ has the higher dividend yield at 0.82%, compared with 0.74% for GDX.

What is the main difference between LFEQ and GDX?

LFEQ is categorized as Large Cap Growth Equities, while GDX is Gold. LFEQ tracks Ned Davis Research CMG US Large Cap Long/Flat Index - USD, while GDX tracks NYSE MarketVector Global Gold Miners Index. Their fees differ too: 0.58% for LFEQ and 0.51% for GDX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

LFEQ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.30 vs 1.35), 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.