PICK vs. GDXJ

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

PICK (iShares MSCI Global Select Metals & Mining Producers ETF) and GDXJ (VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - PICK is a Materials fund tracking the MSCI ACWI Select Metals & Mining Producers Ex Gold & Silver Investable Market Index, while GDXJ is a Gold fund tracking the MVIS Global Junior Gold Miners Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, PICK returned 17.70%/yr vs 12.00%/yr for GDXJ. At a 0.40 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. PICK charges 0.39%/yr vs 0.52%/yr for GDXJ.

Performance

PICK vs. GDXJ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares MSCI Global Select Metals & Mining Producers ETF (PICK) and VanEck 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, PICK achieves a 26.76% return, which is significantly higher than GDXJ's -8.37% return. Over the past 10 years, PICK has outperformed GDXJ with an annualized return of 17.70%, while GDXJ has yielded a comparatively lower 12.00% annualized return.

PICK

• 1D: 2.04%
• 1M: 3.45%
• YTD: 26.76%
• 6M: 32.91%
• 1Y: 79.94%
• 3Y*: 19.94%
• 5Y*: 11.31%
• 10Y*: 17.70%

GDXJ

• 1D: 3.15%
• 1M: -10.41%
• YTD: -8.37%
• 6M: -6.68%
• 1Y: 49.74%
• 3Y*: 44.17%
• 5Y*: 16.23%
• 10Y*: 12.00%

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

PICK vs. GDXJ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
PICK iShares MSCI Global Select Metals & Mining Producers ETF	26.76%	51.89%	-16.37%	9.69%	2.54%	22.61%	27.46%	16.47%	-18.65%	38.42%
GDXJ VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF	-8.37%	172.28%	15.67%	7.12%	-14.53%	-21.25%	30.40%	40.44%	-11.02%	8.22%

Correlation

The correlation between PICK and GDXJ is 0.64, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.64
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.58
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.58
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.42
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 2, 2012	0.40

Over the past year, PICK and GDXJ have become more correlated (0.64) than their long-term average of 0.40, meaning their price movements have been converging.

PICK vs. GDXJ - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	PICK	GDXJ
Basic Materials	96.0%	100.0%
Industrials	3.1%	-
Technology	0.9%	-
Financial Services	0.1%	-
Consumer Defensive	0.1%	-
Energy	0.0%	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

PICK vs. GDXJ — Risk / Return Rank

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

PICK

PICK Risk / Return Rank: 85
PICK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 90
PICK Sortino Ratio Rank: 80
PICK Omega Ratio Rank: 84
PICK Calmar Ratio Rank: 84
PICK Martin Ratio Rank: 85

GDXJ

GDXJ Risk / Return Rank: 31
GDXJ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 31
GDXJ Sortino Ratio Rank: 30
GDXJ Omega Ratio Rank: 33
GDXJ Calmar Ratio Rank: 30
GDXJ 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.

PICK vs. GDXJ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI Global Select Metals & Mining Producers ETF (PICK) and VanEck 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.

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.

	PICK	GDXJ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.63	1.00	+1.63
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.10	1.45	+1.64
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.44	1.20	+0.24
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.00	1.30	+2.70
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	15.40	3.55	+11.85

PICK vs. GDXJ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PICK Sharpe Ratio is 2.63, which is higher than the GDXJ Sharpe Ratio of 1.00. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PICK 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.

Drawdowns

PICK vs. GDXJ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PICK drawdown since its inception was -68.87%, smaller than the maximum GDXJ drawdown of -88.66%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PICK and GDXJ.

Drawdown Indicators

	PICK	GDXJ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-68.87%	-88.66%	+19.79%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-19.54%	-39.47%	+19.93%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-32.52%	-39.47%	+6.95%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-36.37%	-48.79%	+12.42%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-52.72%	-57.77%	+5.05%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.59%	-33.25%	+27.66%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-24.08%	-60.45%	+36.37%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.07%	14.41%	-9.34%

Volatility

PICK vs. GDXJ - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares MSCI Global Select Metals & Mining Producers ETF (PICK) is 13.70%, while VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF (GDXJ) has a volatility of 19.46%. This indicates that PICK 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

	PICK	GDXJ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	13.70%	19.46%	-5.76%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	25.93%	43.41%	-17.48%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	29.74%	51.54%	-21.80%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	28.11%	41.50%	-13.39%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	28.46%	44.23%	-15.77%

PICK vs. GDXJ - Expense Ratio Comparison

PICK has a 0.39% expense ratio, which is lower than GDXJ's 0.52% expense ratio.

Dividends

PICK vs. GDXJ - Dividend Comparison

PICK's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.27%, less than GDXJ's 2.54% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GDXJ VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF	2.54%	2.33%	2.61%	0.72%	0.51%	1.78%	1.58%	0.39%	0.45%	0.03%	4.78%	0.72%
PICK iShares MSCI Global Select Metals & Mining Producers ETF	2.27%	2.88%	3.26%	4.19%	6.93%	5.89%	2.27%	5.51%	4.77%	2.41%	1.15%	15.77%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PICK and GDXJ in my portfolio?

PICK and GDXJ have a correlation of 0.64, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PICK or GDXJ?

GDXJ has higher volatility (19.46%) compared to PICK (13.70%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PICK dropped -68.87% vs GDXJ's -88.66%.

Which ETF is better, PICK or GDXJ?

On 10-year performance, PICK leads with 17.70% vs 12.00% for GDXJ. On fees, PICK is cheaper at 0.39% per year. On volatility, PICK has been the lower-risk option at 13.70%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PICK or GDXJ?

Over the 10-year period, PICK has performed better with a 17.70% return vs 12.00%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PICK or GDXJ?

PICK is cheaper with a 0.39% expense ratio, compared with 0.52% for GDXJ.

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

GDXJ has the higher dividend yield at 2.54%, compared with 2.27% for PICK.

What is the main difference between PICK and GDXJ?

PICK is categorized as Materials, while GDXJ is Gold. PICK tracks MSCI ACWI Select Metals & Mining Producers Ex Gold & Silver Investable Market Index, while GDXJ tracks MVIS Global Junior Gold Miners Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and VanEck. Their fees differ too: 0.39% for PICK and 0.52% for GDXJ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PICK currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.63 vs 1.00), 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.