QNDX vs. GLD

Last updated Jul 15, 2026

QNDX (SPDR Portfolio Nasdaq 100 ETF) and GLD (SPDR Gold Shares) are both exchange-traded funds - QNDX is a Nasdaq-100 fund tracking the Nasdaq-100 Index, while GLD is a Gold fund tracking the LBMA Gold Price PM. Both are passively managed. At a 0.13 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. QNDX charges 0.10%/yr vs 0.40%/yr for GLD.

Performance

QNDX vs. GLD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SPDR Portfolio Nasdaq 100 ETF (QNDX) and SPDR Gold Shares (GLD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

QNDX

• 1D: 1.12%
• 1M: —
• 6M: —
• YTD: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

GLD

• 1D: 1.37%
• 1M: -3.72%
• 6M: -11.74%
• YTD: -6.10%
• 1Y: 20.82%
• 3Y*: 27.06%
• 5Y*: 16.82%
• 10Y*: 11.36%

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

QNDX vs. GLD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
QNDX SPDR Portfolio Nasdaq 100 ETF	0.74%
GLD SPDR Gold Shares	-1.37%

Correlation

The correlation between QNDX and GLD is 0.13, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 24, 2026	0.13

Return for Risk

QNDX vs. GLD — Risk / Return Rank

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

QNDX

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

GLD

GLD Risk / Return Rank: 24
GLD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 26
GLD Sortino Ratio Rank: 23
GLD Omega Ratio Rank: 28
GLD Calmar Ratio Rank: 22
GLD Martin Ratio Rank: 21

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.

QNDX vs. GLD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR Portfolio Nasdaq 100 ETF (QNDX) 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.

	QNDX	GLD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	0.75	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	1.10	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.16	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	0.80	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	1.93	—

Drawdowns

QNDX vs. GLD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QNDX drawdown since its inception was -3.65%, smaller than the maximum GLD drawdown of -45.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QNDX and GLD.

Drawdown Indicators

	QNDX	GLD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-3.65%	-45.56%	+41.91%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-26.21%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-26.21%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-26.21%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-26.21%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.25%	-24.95%	+22.70%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.71%	-16.19%	+14.48%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	10.80%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	QNDX	GLD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	6.99%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	24.21%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	22.98%	27.93%	-4.95%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.98%	18.40%	+4.58%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.98%	16.10%	+6.88%

QNDX vs. GLD - Expense Ratio Comparison

QNDX has a 0.10% expense ratio, which is lower than GLD's 0.40% expense ratio.

Dividends

QNDX vs. GLD - Dividend Comparison

Neither QNDX nor GLD has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both QNDX and GLD in my portfolio?

QNDX and GLD have a correlation of 0.13, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, QNDX or GLD?

On fees, QNDX is cheaper at 0.10% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, QNDX or GLD?

QNDX is cheaper with a 0.10% expense ratio, compared with 0.40% for GLD.

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

QNDX and GLD have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between QNDX and GLD?

QNDX is categorized as Nasdaq-100, while GLD is Gold. QNDX tracks Nasdaq-100 Index, while GLD tracks LBMA Gold Price PM. Their fees differ too: 0.10% for QNDX and 0.40% for GLD.