QNXT vs. GLD

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

QNXT (iShares Nasdaq-100 ex Top 30 ETF) and GLD (SPDR Gold Shares) are both exchange-traded funds - QNXT is a Nasdaq-100 fund tracking the Nasdaq-100 ex Top 30 UCITS Index, while GLD is a Gold fund tracking the LBMA Gold Price PM. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, QNXT returned 21.16% vs 21.29% for GLD. At a 0.12 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. QNXT charges 0.20%/yr vs 0.40%/yr for GLD.

Performance

QNXT vs. GLD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Nasdaq-100 ex Top 30 ETF (QNXT) 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, QNXT achieves a 12.44% return, which is significantly higher than GLD's -4.79% return.

QNXT

• 1D: -1.96%
• 1M: 1.83%
• YTD: 12.44%
• 6M: 11.37%
• 1Y: 21.16%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

GLD

• 1D: -1.89%
• 1M: -8.82%
• YTD: -4.79%
• 6M: -8.78%
• 1Y: 21.29%
• 3Y*: 28.41%
• 5Y*: 17.84%
• 10Y*: 11.59%

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

QNXT vs. GLD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
QNXT iShares Nasdaq-100 ex Top 30 ETF	12.44%	14.97%	-2.58%
GLD SPDR Gold Shares	-4.79%	63.68%	-3.48%

Correlation

The correlation between QNXT and GLD is 0.23, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.23
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 24, 2024	0.12

The correlation between QNXT and GLD shifts across timeframes, from 0.12 (all time) to 0.23 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

QNXT vs. GLD — Risk / Return Rank

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

QNXT

QNXT Risk / Return Rank: 41
QNXT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
QNXT Sortino Ratio Rank: 39
QNXT Omega Ratio Rank: 37
QNXT Calmar Ratio Rank: 45
QNXT Martin Ratio Rank: 44

GLD

GLD Risk / Return Rank: 22
GLD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 23
GLD Sortino Ratio Rank: 21
GLD Omega Ratio Rank: 24
GLD Calmar Ratio Rank: 20
GLD Martin Ratio Rank: 20

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.

QNXT vs. GLD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Nasdaq-100 ex Top 30 ETF (QNXT) 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.

	QNXT	GLD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.34	0.78	+0.56
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.89	1.13	+0.77
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.23	1.17	+0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.09	0.87	+1.22
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.69	2.35	+4.34

QNXT vs. GLD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current QNXT Sharpe Ratio is 1.34, which is higher than the GLD Sharpe Ratio of 0.78. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of QNXT 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

QNXT vs. GLD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QNXT drawdown since its inception was -22.25%, smaller than the maximum GLD drawdown of -45.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QNXT and GLD.

Drawdown Indicators

	QNXT	GLD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-22.25%	-45.56%	+23.31%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.16%	-24.46%	+14.30%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-24.46%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-24.46%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-24.46%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.39%	-23.91%	+20.52%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.74%	-16.17%	+12.43%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.17%	9.10%	-5.93%

Volatility

QNXT vs. GLD - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares Nasdaq-100 ex Top 30 ETF (QNXT) is 6.86%, while SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) has a volatility of 8.18%. This indicates that QNXT experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than GLD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	QNXT	GLD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.86%	8.18%	-1.32%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.01%	24.38%	-12.37%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.94%	27.57%	-11.63%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.94%	18.24%	+1.70%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.94%	16.04%	+3.90%

QNXT vs. GLD - Expense Ratio Comparison

QNXT has a 0.20% expense ratio, which is lower than GLD's 0.40% expense ratio.

Dividends

QNXT vs. GLD - Dividend Comparison

QNXT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.67%, while GLD has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
GLD SPDR Gold Shares	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
QNXT iShares Nasdaq-100 ex Top 30 ETF	0.67%	0.64%	0.22%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both QNXT and GLD in my portfolio?

QNXT and GLD have a correlation of 0.23, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, QNXT or GLD?

GLD has higher volatility (8.18%) compared to QNXT (6.86%). In terms of maximum drawdown, QNXT dropped -22.25% vs GLD's -45.56%.

Which ETF is better, QNXT or GLD?

On 1-year performance, GLD leads with 21.29% vs 21.16% for QNXT. On fees, QNXT is cheaper at 0.20% per year. On volatility, QNXT has been the lower-risk option at 6.86%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, QNXT or GLD?

Over the 1-year period, GLD has performed better with a 21.29% return vs 21.16%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, QNXT or GLD?

QNXT is cheaper with a 0.20% expense ratio, compared with 0.40% for GLD.

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

QNXT has the higher dividend yield at 0.67%, compared with 0.00% for GLD.

What is the main difference between QNXT and GLD?

QNXT is categorized as Nasdaq-100, while GLD is Gold. QNXT tracks Nasdaq-100 ex Top 30 UCITS Index, while GLD tracks LBMA Gold Price PM. They also come from different issuers: iShares and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.20% for QNXT and 0.40% for GLD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QNXT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.34 vs 0.78), 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.