PFIX vs. GLD

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

PFIX (Simplify Interest Rate Hedge ETF) and GLD (SPDR Gold Shares) are both exchange-traded funds - PFIX is a Hedge Fund fund actively managed by Simplify, while GLD is a Gold fund tracking the LBMA Gold Price PM. PFIX is actively managed, while GLD is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, PFIX returned 17.43%/yr vs 17.08%/yr for GLD. At a correlation of -0.20, they often move in opposite directions. PFIX charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.40%/yr for GLD.

Performance

PFIX vs. GLD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Simplify Interest Rate Hedge ETF (PFIX) 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, PFIX achieves a -3.92% return, which is significantly lower than GLD's -2.47% return.

PFIX

• 1D: -1.32%
• 1M: -5.62%
• YTD: -3.92%
• 6M: -5.54%
• 1Y: -12.06%
• 3Y*: 15.02%
• 5Y*: 17.43%
• 10Y*: —

GLD

• 1D: 0.06%
• 1M: -9.52%
• YTD: -2.47%
• 6M: -2.25%
• 1Y: 22.21%
• 3Y*: 28.89%
• 5Y*: 17.08%
• 10Y*: 12.15%

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

PFIX vs. GLD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
PFIX Simplify Interest Rate Hedge ETF	-3.92%	0.42%	35.94%	5.67%	92.05%	-24.98%
GLD SPDR Gold Shares	-2.47%	63.68%	26.66%	12.69%	-0.77%	-0.67%

Correlation

The correlation between PFIX and GLD is -0.12, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.12
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	-0.14
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	-0.20
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 11, 2021	-0.20

Return for Risk

PFIX vs. GLD — Risk / Return Rank

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

PFIX

PFIX Risk / Return Rank: 6
PFIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 6
PFIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 7
PFIX Omega Ratio Rank: 7
PFIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 6
PFIX Martin Ratio Rank: 7

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.

PFIX vs. GLD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Simplify Interest Rate Hedge ETF (PFIX) 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.

	PFIX	GLD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.34	0.87	-1.21
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.29	1.24	-1.53
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.97	1.18	-0.22
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.40	0.98	-1.37
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.62	2.81	-3.43

PFIX vs. GLD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PFIX Sharpe Ratio is -0.34, which is lower than the GLD Sharpe Ratio of 0.87. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PFIX 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

PFIX vs. GLD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PFIX drawdown since its inception was -36.17%, smaller than the maximum GLD drawdown of -45.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PFIX and GLD.

Drawdown Indicators

	PFIX	GLD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-36.17%	-45.56%	+9.39%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-25.64%	-24.46%	-1.18%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-36.17%	-24.46%	-11.71%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-36.17%	-24.46%	-11.71%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-24.46%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-20.78%	-22.05%	+1.27%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-17.13%	-16.16%	-0.97%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	16.52%	8.49%	+8.03%

Volatility

PFIX vs. GLD - Volatility Comparison

Simplify Interest Rate Hedge ETF (PFIX) has a higher volatility of 8.38% compared to SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) at 7.79%. This indicates that PFIX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than GLD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PFIX	GLD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.38%	7.79%	+0.59%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	21.22%	24.10%	-2.88%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	30.44%	27.37%	+3.07%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	38.52%	18.22%	+20.30%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	38.29%	16.08%	+22.21%

PFIX vs. GLD - Expense Ratio Comparison

PFIX has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is higher than GLD's 0.40% expense ratio.

Dividends

PFIX vs. GLD - Dividend Comparison

PFIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 10.11%, while GLD has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
GLD SPDR Gold Shares	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
PFIX Simplify Interest Rate Hedge ETF	10.11%	9.92%	3.40%	87.92%	0.63%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PFIX and GLD in my portfolio?

PFIX and GLD have a correlation of -0.12, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PFIX or GLD?

PFIX has higher volatility (8.38%) compared to GLD (7.79%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PFIX dropped -36.17% vs GLD's -45.56%.

Which ETF is better, PFIX or GLD?

On 5-year performance, PFIX leads with 17.43% vs 17.08% for GLD. On fees, GLD is cheaper at 0.40% per year. On volatility, GLD has been the lower-risk option at 7.79%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PFIX or GLD?

Over the 5-year period, PFIX has performed better with a 17.43% return vs 17.08%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PFIX or GLD?

GLD is cheaper with a 0.40% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for PFIX.

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

PFIX has the higher dividend yield at 10.11%, compared with 0.00% for GLD.

What is the main difference between PFIX and GLD?

PFIX is categorized as Hedge Fund, while GLD is Gold. They also come from different issuers: Simplify and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for PFIX and 0.40% for GLD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GLD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.87 vs -0.34), 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.