LGLV vs. GLD

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

LGLV (SPDR SSGA US Large Cap Low Volatility Index ETF) and GLD (SPDR Gold Shares) are both exchange-traded funds - LGLV is a Volatility Hedged Equity fund tracking the SSGA US Large Cap Low Volatility (TR), while GLD is a Gold fund tracking the LBMA Gold Price PM. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, LGLV returned 11.00%/yr vs 13.12%/yr for GLD. At a 0.03 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. LGLV charges 0.12%/yr vs 0.40%/yr for GLD.

Performance

LGLV vs. GLD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SPDR SSGA US Large Cap Low Volatility Index ETF (LGLV) 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, LGLV achieves a 0.83% return, which is significantly lower than GLD's 2.92% return. Over the past 10 years, LGLV has underperformed GLD with an annualized return of 11.00%, while GLD has yielded a comparatively higher 13.12% annualized return.

LGLV

• 1D: -0.06%
• 1M: -1.79%
• YTD: 0.83%
• 6M: 1.07%
• 1Y: 2.87%
• 3Y*: 11.07%
• 5Y*: 7.70%
• 10Y*: 11.00%

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)

LGLV vs. GLD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
LGLV SPDR SSGA US Large Cap Low Volatility Index ETF	0.83%	8.37%	16.22%	9.19%	-8.17%	27.95%	7.42%	30.83%	0.32%	17.84%
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 LGLV and GLD is 0.18, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.18
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.15
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.14
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.06
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 22, 2013	0.03

The correlation between LGLV and GLD shifts across timeframes, from 0.03 (all time) to 0.18 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

LGLV vs. GLD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	LGLV	GLD
Industrials	18.4%	-
Real Estate	17.4%	-
Utilities	11.8%	-
Financial Services	9.9%	-
Consumer Cyclical	9.4%	-
Technology	8.8%	-
Healthcare	7.0%	-
Consumer Defensive	5.9%	-
Communication Services	4.2%	-
Energy	3.7%	-
Basic Materials	3.5%	100.0%

Return for Risk

LGLV vs. GLD — Risk / Return Rank

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

LGLV

LGLV Risk / Return Rank: 13
LGLV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 13
LGLV Sortino Ratio Rank: 12
LGLV Omega Ratio Rank: 12
LGLV Calmar Ratio Rank: 14
LGLV Martin Ratio Rank: 14

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.

LGLV vs. GLD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR SSGA US Large Cap Low Volatility Index ETF (LGLV) 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.

	LGLV	GLD	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	0.31	1.21	-0.90
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	0.51	1.60	-1.09
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.06	1.24	-0.19
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.42	1.68	-1.25
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	1.08	4.15	-3.08
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

LGLV vs. GLD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current LGLV Sharpe Ratio is 0.31, which is lower than the GLD Sharpe Ratio of 1.21. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of LGLV 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

	LGLV	GLD	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.31	1.21	-0.90
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.60	1.01	-0.41
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.69	0.83	-0.14
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.76	0.60	+0.16

Drawdowns

LGLV vs. GLD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum LGLV drawdown since its inception was -36.64%, smaller than the maximum GLD drawdown of -45.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for LGLV and GLD.

Drawdown Indicators

	LGLV	GLD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-36.64%	-45.56%	+8.92%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.86%	-19.21%	+12.35%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-10.17%	-19.21%	+9.04%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-17.49%	-21.03%	+3.54%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.64%	-22.00%	-14.64%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.60%	-17.75%	+11.15%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.21%	-16.16%	+12.95%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.67%	7.73%	-5.06%

Volatility

LGLV vs. GLD - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for SPDR SSGA US Large Cap Low Volatility Index ETF (LGLV) is 2.42%, while SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) has a volatility of 5.51%. This indicates that LGLV experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than GLD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	LGLV	GLD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.42%	5.51%	-3.09%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	6.52%	23.16%	-16.64%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	9.20%	26.61%	-17.41%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.91%	18.00%	-5.09%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.06%	15.95%	+0.11%

LGLV vs. GLD - Expense Ratio Comparison

LGLV has a 0.12% expense ratio, which is lower than GLD's 0.40% expense ratio.

Dividends

LGLV vs. GLD - Dividend Comparison

LGLV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.04%, 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%
LGLV SPDR SSGA US Large Cap Low Volatility Index ETF	2.04%	1.94%	1.93%	2.03%	1.95%	1.65%	1.98%	1.89%	2.09%	4.39%	2.54%	2.97%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both LGLV and GLD in my portfolio?

LGLV and GLD have a correlation of 0.18, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, LGLV or GLD?

GLD has higher volatility (5.51%) compared to LGLV (2.42%). In terms of maximum drawdown, LGLV dropped -36.64% vs GLD's -45.56%.

Which ETF is better, LGLV or GLD?

On 10-year performance, GLD leads with 13.12% vs 11.00% for LGLV. On fees, LGLV is cheaper at 0.12% per year. On volatility, LGLV has been the lower-risk option at 2.42%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, LGLV or GLD?

Over the 10-year period, GLD has performed better with a 13.12% return vs 11.00%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, LGLV or GLD?

LGLV is cheaper with a 0.12% expense ratio, compared with 0.40% for GLD.

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

LGLV has the higher dividend yield at 2.04%, compared with 0.00% for GLD.

What is the main difference between LGLV and GLD?

LGLV is categorized as Volatility Hedged Equity, while GLD is Gold. LGLV tracks SSGA US Large Cap Low Volatility (TR), while GLD tracks LBMA Gold Price PM. Their fees differ too: 0.12% for LGLV and 0.40% for GLD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GLD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.21 vs 0.31), 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.