NODE vs. GDX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

NODE (VanEck Onchain Economy ETF) and GDX (VanEck Gold Miners ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - NODE is a Blockchain fund actively managed by VanEck, while GDX is a Gold fund tracking the NYSE MarketVector Global Gold Miners Index. NODE is actively managed, while GDX is passively managed. Over the past year, NODE returned 71.73% vs 61.27% for GDX. At a 0.28 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. NODE charges 0.69%/yr vs 0.51%/yr for GDX.

Performance

NODE vs. GDX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in VanEck Onchain Economy ETF (NODE) 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, NODE achieves a 33.28% return, which is significantly higher than GDX's -0.90% return.

NODE

• 1D: -1.79%
• 1M: 10.04%
• YTD: 33.28%
• 6M: 21.22%
• 1Y: 71.73%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 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)

NODE vs. GDX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
NODE VanEck Onchain Economy ETF	33.28%	32.44%
GDX VanEck Gold Miners ETF	-0.90%	89.67%

Correlation

The correlation between NODE and GDX is 0.30, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.30
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 15, 2025	0.28

Return for Risk

NODE vs. GDX — Risk / Return Rank

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

NODE

NODE Risk / Return Rank: 41
NODE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 46
NODE Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
NODE Omega Ratio Rank: 41
NODE Calmar Ratio Rank: 42
NODE Martin Ratio Rank: 31

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.

NODE vs. GDX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for VanEck Onchain Economy ETF (NODE) 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.

	NODE	GDX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.59	1.35	+0.23
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.12	1.76	+0.36
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.25	+0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.04	2.00	+0.04
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.50	5.13	-0.63
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

NODE vs. GDX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current NODE Sharpe Ratio is 1.59, which is comparable to the GDX Sharpe Ratio of 1.35. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of NODE 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

	NODE	GDX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.59	1.35	+0.23
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.52	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.38	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.62	0.13	+1.49

Drawdowns

NODE vs. GDX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NODE drawdown since its inception was -35.35%, smaller than the maximum GDX drawdown of -80.34%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NODE and GDX.

Drawdown Indicators

	NODE	GDX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-35.35%	-80.34%	+44.99%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-35.35%	-30.84%	-4.51%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-30.84%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-46.51%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-49.79%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.42%	-26.62%	+24.20%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.30%	-40.43%	+29.13%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	16.00%	11.99%	+4.01%

Volatility

NODE vs. GDX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for VanEck Onchain Economy ETF (NODE) is 12.39%, while VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX) has a volatility of 15.40%. This indicates that NODE 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

	NODE	GDX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	12.39%	15.40%	-3.01%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	34.83%	37.50%	-2.67%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	45.44%	45.49%	-0.05%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	44.59%	36.39%	+8.20%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	44.59%	37.18%	+7.41%

NODE vs. GDX - Expense Ratio Comparison

NODE has a 0.69% expense ratio, which is higher than GDX's 0.51% expense ratio.

Dividends

NODE vs. GDX - Dividend Comparison

NODE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.84%, 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%
NODE VanEck Onchain Economy ETF	0.84%	1.12%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NODE and GDX in my portfolio?

NODE and GDX have a correlation of 0.30, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, NODE or GDX?

GDX has higher volatility (15.40%) compared to NODE (12.39%). In terms of maximum drawdown, NODE dropped -35.35% vs GDX's -80.34%.

Which ETF is better, NODE or GDX?

On 1-year performance, NODE leads with 71.73% vs 61.27% for GDX. On fees, GDX is cheaper at 0.51% per year. On volatility, NODE has been the lower-risk option at 12.39%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, NODE or GDX?

Over the 1-year period, NODE has performed better with a 71.73% return vs 61.27%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, NODE or GDX?

GDX is cheaper with a 0.51% expense ratio, compared with 0.69% for NODE.

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

NODE has the higher dividend yield at 0.84%, compared with 0.74% for GDX.

What is the main difference between NODE and GDX?

NODE is categorized as Blockchain, while GDX is Gold. Their fees differ too: 0.69% for NODE and 0.51% for GDX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

NODE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.59 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.