MOO vs. GDXJ

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

MOO (VanEck Agribusiness ETF) and GDXJ (VanEck Vectors Junior Gold Miners ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - MOO is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the MVIS Global Agribusiness Index, while GDXJ is a Materials fund tracking the MVIS Global Junior Gold Miners Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, MOO returned 7.00%/yr vs 13.07%/yr for GDXJ. At a 0.31 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. MOO charges 0.55%/yr vs 0.54%/yr for GDXJ.

Performance

MOO vs. GDXJ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in VanEck Agribusiness ETF (MOO) and VanEck Vectors Junior Gold Miners ETF (GDXJ). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MOO achieves a 10.10% return, which is significantly higher than GDXJ's -2.55% return. Over the past 10 years, MOO has underperformed GDXJ with an annualized return of 7.00%, while GDXJ has yielded a comparatively higher 13.07% annualized return.

MOO

• 1D: 0.48%
• 1M: -4.21%
• YTD: 10.10%
• 6M: 11.54%
• 1Y: 13.06%
• 3Y*: 3.07%
• 5Y*: -0.70%
• 10Y*: 7.00%

GDXJ

• 1D: -4.40%
• 1M: -1.95%
• YTD: -2.55%
• 6M: 6.26%
• 1Y: 65.12%
• 3Y*: 46.12%
• 5Y*: 17.46%
• 10Y*: 13.07%

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

MOO vs. GDXJ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MOO VanEck Agribusiness ETF	10.10%	15.61%	-12.43%	-8.57%	-8.10%	23.99%	14.59%	22.29%	-6.03%	21.75%
GDXJ VanEck Vectors Junior Gold Miners ETF	-2.55%	172.28%	15.67%	7.12%	-14.53%	-21.25%	30.40%	40.44%	-11.02%	8.22%

Correlation

The correlation between MOO and GDXJ is 0.24, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.25
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.32
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.37
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.25
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 12, 2009	0.31

The correlation between MOO and GDXJ shifts across timeframes, from 0.24 (1 year) to 0.37 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

MOO vs. GDXJ - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	MOO	GDXJ
Consumer Defensive	37.9%	-
Basic Materials	26.2%	100.0%
Industrials	20.3%	-
Healthcare	15.4%	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

MOO vs. GDXJ — Risk / Return Rank

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

MOO

MOO Risk / Return Rank: 27
MOO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 26
MOO Sortino Ratio Rank: 26
MOO Omega Ratio Rank: 24
MOO Calmar Ratio Rank: 31
MOO Martin Ratio Rank: 27

GDXJ

GDXJ Risk / Return Rank: 35
GDXJ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 36
GDXJ Sortino Ratio Rank: 32
GDXJ Omega Ratio Rank: 35
GDXJ Calmar Ratio Rank: 39
GDXJ Martin Ratio Rank: 32

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.

MOO vs. GDXJ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for VanEck Agribusiness ETF (MOO) and VanEck Vectors Junior Gold Miners ETF (GDXJ). 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.

	MOO	GDXJ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.95	1.32	-0.37
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.43	1.74	-0.32
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.17	1.24	-0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.55	1.99	-0.44
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.88	4.95	-1.07
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

MOO vs. GDXJ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MOO Sharpe Ratio is 0.95, which is comparable to the GDXJ Sharpe Ratio of 1.32. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MOO and GDXJ, 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

	MOO	GDXJ	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.95	1.32	-0.37
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	-0.04	0.43	-0.47
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.39	0.30	+0.09
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.22	0.06	+0.16

Drawdowns

MOO vs. GDXJ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MOO drawdown since its inception was -69.53%, smaller than the maximum GDXJ drawdown of -88.66%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MOO and GDXJ.

Drawdown Indicators

	MOO	GDXJ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-69.53%	-88.66%	+19.13%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.45%	-32.92%	+24.47%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.83%	-32.92%	+6.09%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-39.52%	-50.99%	+11.47%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-39.52%	-57.77%	+18.25%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-17.50%	-29.01%	+11.51%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-16.97%	-60.50%	+43.53%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.37%	13.19%	-9.82%

Volatility

MOO vs. GDXJ - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for VanEck Agribusiness ETF (MOO) is 4.08%, while VanEck Vectors Junior Gold Miners ETF (GDXJ) has a volatility of 16.66%. This indicates that MOO experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than GDXJ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MOO	GDXJ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.08%	16.66%	-12.58%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.57%	41.34%	-30.77%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.88%	49.79%	-35.91%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.12%	41.10%	-23.98%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.19%	44.06%	-25.87%

MOO vs. GDXJ - Expense Ratio Comparison

MOO has a 0.55% expense ratio, which is higher than GDXJ's 0.54% expense ratio.

Dividends

MOO vs. GDXJ - Dividend Comparison

MOO's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.24%, less than GDXJ's 2.39% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GDXJ VanEck Vectors Junior Gold Miners ETF	2.39%	2.33%	2.61%	0.72%	0.51%	1.78%	1.58%	0.39%	0.45%	0.03%	4.78%	0.72%
MOO VanEck Agribusiness ETF	2.24%	2.47%	3.41%	2.93%	2.15%	1.17%	1.10%	1.26%	1.69%	1.44%	2.14%	2.89%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MOO and GDXJ in my portfolio?

MOO and GDXJ have a correlation of 0.24, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MOO or GDXJ?

GDXJ has higher volatility (16.66%) compared to MOO (4.08%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MOO dropped -69.53% vs GDXJ's -88.66%.

Which ETF is better, MOO or GDXJ?

On 10-year performance, GDXJ leads with 13.07% vs 7.00% for MOO. On fees, GDXJ is cheaper at 0.54% per year. On volatility, MOO has been the lower-risk option at 4.08%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MOO or GDXJ?

Over the 10-year period, GDXJ has performed better with a 13.07% return vs 7.00%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MOO or GDXJ?

GDXJ is cheaper with a 0.54% expense ratio, compared with 0.55% for MOO.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, MOO or GDXJ?

GDXJ has the higher dividend yield at 2.39%, compared with 2.24% for MOO.

What is the main difference between MOO and GDXJ?

MOO is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while GDXJ is Materials. MOO tracks MVIS Global Agribusiness Index, while GDXJ tracks MVIS Global Junior Gold Miners Index. Their fees differ too: 0.55% for MOO and 0.54% for GDXJ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GDXJ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.31 vs 0.95), 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.