RGLD vs. GDX

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

RGLD (Royal Gold, Inc.) is a stock, while GDX (VanEck Gold Miners ETF) is Gold fund tracking the NYSE MarketVector Global Gold Miners Index. Over the past 10 years, RGLD returned 13.61%/yr vs 13.29%/yr for GDX. Their correlation of 0.83 suggests significant overlap in exposure.

Performance

RGLD vs. GDX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Royal Gold, Inc. (RGLD) 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, RGLD achieves a -6.25% return, which is significantly higher than GDX's -6.69% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with RGLD having a 13.61% annualized return and GDX not far behind at 13.29%.

RGLD

• 1D: 1.47%
• 1M: -15.27%
• YTD: -6.25%
• 6M: -4.74%
• 1Y: 16.96%
• 3Y*: 21.73%
• 5Y*: 12.37%
• 10Y*: 13.61%

GDX

• 1D: 2.97%
• 1M: -16.83%
• YTD: -6.69%
• 6M: -5.89%
• 1Y: 50.59%
• 3Y*: 38.96%
• 5Y*: 17.51%
• 10Y*: 13.29%

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

RGLD vs. GDX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
RGLD Royal Gold, Inc.	-6.25%	70.43%	10.39%	8.70%	8.51%	0.04%	-12.13%	44.27%	5.53%	31.32%
GDX VanEck Gold Miners ETF	-6.69%	154.77%	10.63%	9.98%	-9.01%	-9.52%	23.66%	39.84%	-8.77%	11.99%

Correlation

The correlation between RGLD and GDX is 0.84, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.84
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.85
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.85
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.83
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 22, 2006	0.83

The correlation between RGLD and GDX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.83 to 0.85 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

RGLD vs. GDX — Risk / Return Rank

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

RGLD

RGLD Risk / Return Rank: 54
RGLD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 58
RGLD Sortino Ratio Rank: 52
RGLD Omega Ratio Rank: 52
RGLD Calmar Ratio Rank: 54
RGLD Martin Ratio Rank: 56

GDX

GDX Risk / Return Rank: 33
GDX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 34
GDX Sortino Ratio Rank: 31
GDX Omega Ratio Rank: 36
GDX Calmar Ratio Rank: 32
GDX Martin Ratio Rank: 30

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.

RGLD vs. GDX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Royal Gold, Inc. (RGLD) 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.

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.

	RGLD	GDX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.43	1.09	-0.65
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.81	1.51	-0.70
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.11	1.21	-0.10
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.48	1.40	-0.92
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.27	3.87	-2.60

RGLD vs. GDX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current RGLD Sharpe Ratio is 0.43, which is lower than the GDX Sharpe Ratio of 1.09. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of RGLD 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.

Drawdowns

RGLD vs. GDX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RGLD drawdown since its inception was -98.29%, which is greater than GDX's maximum drawdown of -80.34%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RGLD and GDX.

Drawdown Indicators

	RGLD	GDX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-98.29%	-80.34%	-17.95%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-35.12%	-36.28%	+1.16%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-35.12%	-36.28%	+1.16%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-40.73%	-46.51%	+5.78%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-49.55%	-49.79%	+0.24%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-31.66%	-30.91%	-0.75%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-29.82%	-40.41%	+10.59%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	13.34%	13.11%	+0.23%

Volatility

RGLD vs. GDX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Royal Gold, Inc. (RGLD) is 12.33%, while VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX) has a volatility of 17.20%. This indicates that RGLD 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

	RGLD	GDX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	12.33%	17.20%	-4.87%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	32.22%	39.15%	-6.93%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	39.34%	46.89%	-7.55%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	31.58%	36.74%	-5.16%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	33.66%	37.34%	-3.68%

Dividends

RGLD vs. GDX - Dividend Comparison

RGLD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.89%, more than GDX's 0.79% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GDX VanEck Gold Miners ETF	0.79%	0.74%	1.19%	1.61%	1.66%	1.67%	0.53%	0.67%	0.50%	0.76%	0.26%	0.85%
RGLD Royal Gold, Inc.	0.89%	0.81%	1.21%	1.24%	1.24%	1.14%	1.05%	0.87%	1.17%	1.17%	1.45%	1.81%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both RGLD and GDX in my portfolio?

RGLD and GDX have a correlation of 0.84, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, RGLD or GDX?

GDX has higher volatility (17.20%) compared to RGLD (12.33%). In terms of maximum drawdown, RGLD dropped -98.29% vs GDX's -80.34%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GDX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.09 vs 0.43), 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.