LVHD vs. GLD

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

LVHD (Franklin U.S. Low Volatility High Dividend Index ETF) and GLD (SPDR Gold Shares) are both exchange-traded funds - LVHD is a Dividend fund tracking the Franklin U.S. Low Volatility High Dividend Index, while GLD is a Gold fund tracking the LBMA Gold Price PM. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, LVHD returned 8.41%/yr vs 12.15%/yr for GLD. At a 0.07 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. LVHD charges 0.27%/yr vs 0.40%/yr for GLD.

Performance

LVHD vs. GLD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Franklin U.S. Low Volatility High Dividend Index ETF (LVHD) 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, LVHD achieves a 10.95% return, which is significantly higher than GLD's -2.47% return. Over the past 10 years, LVHD has underperformed GLD with an annualized return of 8.41%, while GLD has yielded a comparatively higher 12.15% annualized return.

LVHD

• 1D: 0.64%
• 1M: 3.86%
• YTD: 10.95%
• 6M: 10.48%
• 1Y: 13.29%
• 3Y*: 10.12%
• 5Y*: 6.90%
• 10Y*: 8.41%

GLD

• 1D: 0.06%
• 1M: -10.21%
• YTD: -2.47%
• 6M: -2.25%
• 1Y: 23.81%
• 3Y*: 28.89%
• 5Y*: 17.08%
• 10Y*: 12.15%

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

LVHD vs. GLD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
LVHD Franklin U.S. Low Volatility High Dividend Index ETF	10.95%	7.50%	10.18%	-0.95%	-1.82%	26.90%	-1.28%	22.91%	-5.58%	14.25%
GLD SPDR Gold Shares	-2.47%	63.68%	26.66%	12.69%	-0.77%	-4.15%	24.81%	17.86%	-1.94%	12.81%

Correlation

The correlation between LVHD and GLD is 0.11, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.11
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.13
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.13
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.08
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 29, 2015	0.07

LVHD vs. GLD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	LVHD	GLD
Utilities	25.5%	-
Consumer Defensive	18.5%	-
Real Estate	15.0%	-
Financial Services	8.6%	-
Consumer Cyclical	6.8%	-
Energy	6.7%	-
Technology	5.9%	-
Industrials	4.6%	-
Healthcare	4.6%	-
Communication Services	3.8%	-
Basic Materials	-	100.0%

Return for Risk

LVHD vs. GLD — Risk / Return Rank

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

LVHD

LVHD Risk / Return Rank: 43
LVHD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 44
LVHD Sortino Ratio Rank: 45
LVHD Omega Ratio Rank: 40
LVHD Calmar Ratio Rank: 49
LVHD Martin Ratio Rank: 39

GLD

GLD Risk / Return Rank: 26
GLD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 27
GLD Sortino Ratio Rank: 25
GLD Omega Ratio Rank: 30
GLD Calmar Ratio Rank: 24
GLD Martin Ratio Rank: 24

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.

LVHD vs. GLD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Franklin U.S. Low Volatility High Dividend Index ETF (LVHD) 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.

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.

	LVHD	GLD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.37	0.87	+0.49
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.03	1.24	+0.79
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.23	1.18	+0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.16	0.98	+1.19
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.43	2.81	+2.62

LVHD vs. GLD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current LVHD Sharpe Ratio is 1.37, which is higher than the GLD Sharpe Ratio of 0.87. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of LVHD 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.

Drawdowns

LVHD vs. GLD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum LVHD drawdown since its inception was -37.32%, smaller than the maximum GLD drawdown of -45.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for LVHD and GLD.

Drawdown Indicators

	LVHD	GLD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-37.32%	-45.56%	+8.24%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.17%	-24.46%	+18.29%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.29%	-24.46%	+10.17%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-16.75%	-24.46%	+7.71%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-37.32%	-24.46%	-12.86%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.07%	-22.05%	+20.98%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.04%	-16.16%	+12.12%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.46%	8.49%	-6.03%

Volatility

LVHD vs. GLD - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Franklin U.S. Low Volatility High Dividend Index ETF (LVHD) is 3.54%, while SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) has a volatility of 7.79%. This indicates that LVHD 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

	LVHD	GLD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.54%	7.79%	-4.25%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	6.96%	24.10%	-17.14%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	9.77%	27.37%	-17.60%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.91%	18.22%	-5.31%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.52%	16.08%	-0.56%

LVHD vs. GLD - Expense Ratio Comparison

LVHD has a 0.27% expense ratio, which is lower than GLD's 0.40% expense ratio.

Dividends

LVHD vs. GLD - Dividend Comparison

LVHD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.27%, while GLD has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
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%
LVHD Franklin U.S. Low Volatility High Dividend Index ETF	3.27%	3.35%	4.23%	3.55%	3.30%	2.56%	3.27%	3.30%	3.82%	3.33%	2.48%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both LVHD and GLD in my portfolio?

LVHD and GLD have a correlation of 0.11, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, LVHD or GLD?

GLD has higher volatility (7.79%) compared to LVHD (3.54%). In terms of maximum drawdown, LVHD dropped -37.32% vs GLD's -45.56%.

Which ETF is better, LVHD or GLD?

On 10-year performance, GLD leads with 12.15% vs 8.41% for LVHD. On fees, LVHD is cheaper at 0.27% per year. On volatility, LVHD has been the lower-risk option at 3.54%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, LVHD or GLD?

Over the 10-year period, GLD has performed better with a 12.15% return vs 8.41%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, LVHD or GLD?

LVHD is cheaper with a 0.27% expense ratio, compared with 0.40% for GLD.

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

LVHD has the higher dividend yield at 3.27%, compared with 0.00% for GLD.

What is the main difference between LVHD and GLD?

LVHD is categorized as Dividend, while GLD is Gold. LVHD tracks Franklin U.S. Low Volatility High Dividend Index, while GLD tracks LBMA Gold Price PM. They also come from different issuers: Franklin Templeton and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.27% for LVHD and 0.40% for GLD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

LVHD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.37 vs 0.87), 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.