RING vs. GDXJ

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

RING (iShares MSCI Global Gold Miners ETF) and GDXJ (VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF) are both Gold funds - RING tracks the MSCI ACWI Select Gold Miners Investable Market Index while GDXJ tracks the MVIS Global Junior Gold Miners Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, RING returned 12.92%/yr vs 10.91%/yr for GDXJ. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. RING charges 0.39%/yr vs 0.52%/yr for GDXJ.

Performance

RING vs. GDXJ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares MSCI Global Gold Miners ETF (RING) 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, RING achieves a -8.53% return, which is significantly higher than GDXJ's -11.62% return. Over the past 10 years, RING has outperformed GDXJ with an annualized return of 12.92%, while GDXJ has yielded a comparatively lower 10.91% annualized return.

RING

• 1D: -4.54%
• 1M: -9.24%
• YTD: -8.53%
• 6M: -13.08%
• 1Y: 52.30%
• 3Y*: 44.79%
• 5Y*: 20.81%
• 10Y*: 12.92%

GDXJ

• 1D: -5.24%
• 1M: -9.91%
• YTD: -11.62%
• 6M: -16.20%
• 1Y: 51.11%
• 3Y*: 44.53%
• 5Y*: 17.86%
• 10Y*: 10.91%

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

RING vs. GDXJ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
RING iShares MSCI Global Gold Miners ETF	-8.53%	164.72%	15.98%	12.29%	-15.40%	-7.46%	24.98%	49.92%	-13.14%	10.24%
GDXJ VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF	-11.62%	172.28%	15.67%	7.12%	-14.53%	-21.25%	30.40%	40.44%	-11.02%	8.22%

Correlation

The correlation between RING and GDXJ is 0.97 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.97
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.97
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.96
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 2, 2012	0.94

The correlation between RING and GDXJ has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.94 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

RING vs. GDXJ - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	RING	GDXJ
Basic Materials	99.7%	99.5%
Financial Services	0.1%	0.1%
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

RING vs. GDXJ — Risk / Return Rank

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

RING

RING Risk / Return Rank: 30
RING Sharpe Ratio Rank: 32
RING Sortino Ratio Rank: 29
RING Omega Ratio Rank: 32
RING Calmar Ratio Rank: 30
RING Martin Ratio Rank: 29

GDXJ

GDXJ Risk / Return Rank: 28
GDXJ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 28
GDXJ Sortino Ratio Rank: 27
GDXJ Omega Ratio Rank: 29
GDXJ Calmar Ratio Rank: 27
GDXJ Martin Ratio Rank: 26

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.

RING vs. GDXJ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI Global Gold Miners ETF (RING) 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.

	RING	GDXJ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.09	0.98	+0.11
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.53	1.45	+0.08
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.21	1.20	+0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.47	1.30	+0.17
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.91	3.40	+0.51

RING vs. GDXJ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current RING Sharpe Ratio is 1.09, which is comparable to the GDXJ Sharpe Ratio of 0.98. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of RING 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

RING vs. GDXJ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RING drawdown since its inception was -79.47%, smaller than the maximum GDXJ drawdown of -88.66%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RING and GDXJ.

Drawdown Indicators

	RING	GDXJ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-79.47%	-88.66%	+9.19%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-35.72%	-39.47%	+3.75%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-35.72%	-39.47%	+3.75%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-47.94%	-48.79%	+0.85%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-52.04%	-57.77%	+5.73%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-32.25%	-35.62%	+3.37%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-47.33%	-60.40%	+13.07%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	13.40%	15.08%	-1.68%

Volatility

RING vs. GDXJ - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares MSCI Global Gold Miners ETF (RING) is 17.22%, while VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF (GDXJ) has a volatility of 20.19%. This indicates that RING 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

	RING	GDXJ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	17.22%	20.19%	-2.97%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	39.95%	44.45%	-4.50%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	48.04%	52.42%	-4.38%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	36.94%	41.71%	-4.77%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	36.73%	44.30%	-7.57%

RING vs. GDXJ - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

RING vs. GDXJ - Dividend Comparison

RING's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.35%, less than GDXJ's 2.63% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GDXJ VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF	2.63%	2.33%	2.61%	0.72%	0.51%	1.78%	1.58%	0.39%	0.45%	0.03%	4.78%	0.72%
RING iShares MSCI Global Gold Miners ETF	1.35%	0.84%	1.43%	2.01%	2.29%	2.38%	0.83%	0.83%	0.70%	0.42%	1.41%	0.96%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both RING and GDXJ in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.97, RING and GDXJ move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, RING or GDXJ?

GDXJ has higher volatility (20.19%) compared to RING (17.22%). In terms of maximum drawdown, RING dropped -79.47% vs GDXJ's -88.66%.

Which ETF is better, RING or GDXJ?

On 10-year performance, RING leads with 12.92% vs 10.91% for GDXJ. On fees, RING is cheaper at 0.39% per year. On volatility, RING has been the lower-risk option at 17.22%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, RING or GDXJ?

Over the 10-year period, RING has performed better with a 12.92% return vs 10.91%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, RING or GDXJ?

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

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

GDXJ has the higher dividend yield at 2.63%, compared with 1.35% for RING.

What is the main difference between RING and GDXJ?

RING tracks MSCI ACWI Select Gold Miners 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 RING and 0.52% for GDXJ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

RING currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.09 vs 0.98), 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.