RSST vs. OUNZ

Last updated Jul 22, 2026

RSST (Return Stacked U.S. Stocks & Managed Futures ETF) and OUNZ (VanEck Merk Gold ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - RSST is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Return Stacked, while OUNZ is a Gold fund tracking the LBMA Gold Price PM ($/ozt). RSST is actively managed, while OUNZ is passively managed. Over the past year, RSST returned 39.99% vs 19.91% for OUNZ. At a 0.28 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. RSST charges 0.99%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for OUNZ.

Performance

RSST vs. OUNZ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Return Stacked U.S. Stocks & Managed Futures ETF (RSST) and VanEck Merk Gold ETF (OUNZ). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, RSST achieves a 17.85% return, which is significantly higher than OUNZ's -5.33% return.

RSST

• 1D: 2.11%
• 1M: 1.29%
• 6M: 15.73%
• YTD: 17.85%
• 1Y: 39.99%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 20.27%

OUNZ

• 1D: 1.97%
• 1M: -3.16%
• 6M: -14.22%
• YTD: -5.33%
• 1Y: 19.91%
• 3Y*: 27.36%
• 5Y*: 17.44%
• 10Y*: 11.59%
• ALL TIME*: 9.56%

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

RSST vs. OUNZ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
RSST Return Stacked U.S. Stocks & Managed Futures ETF	17.85%	19.91%	18.37%	1.58%
OUNZ VanEck Merk Gold ETF	-5.33%	63.95%	26.75%	7.08%

Correlation

The correlation between RSST and OUNZ is 0.42, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.42
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 6, 2023	0.28

The correlation between RSST and OUNZ shifts across timeframes, from 0.28 (all time) to 0.42 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

RSST vs. OUNZ — Risk / Return Rank

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

RSST

RSST Risk / Return Rank: 71
RSST Sharpe Ratio Rank: 71
RSST Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
RSST Omega Ratio Rank: 67
RSST Calmar Ratio Rank: 85
RSST Martin Ratio Rank: 75

OUNZ

OUNZ Risk / Return Rank: 25
OUNZ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 27
OUNZ Sortino Ratio Rank: 25
OUNZ Omega Ratio Rank: 29
OUNZ Calmar Ratio Rank: 23
OUNZ Martin Ratio Rank: 22

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.

RSST vs. OUNZ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Return Stacked U.S. Stocks & Managed Futures ETF (RSST) and VanEck Merk Gold ETF (OUNZ). 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.

	RSST	OUNZ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.71	0.72	+0.99
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.13	1.06	+1.07
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.15	+0.15
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.43	0.76	+2.67
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.05	1.76	+8.29

RSST vs. OUNZ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current RSST Sharpe Ratio is 1.71, which is higher than the OUNZ Sharpe Ratio of 0.72. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of RSST and OUNZ, 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

RSST vs. OUNZ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RSST drawdown since its inception was -30.80%, which is greater than OUNZ's maximum drawdown of -26.31%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RSST and OUNZ.

Drawdown Indicators

	RSST	OUNZ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-30.80%	-26.31%	-4.49%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.71%	-26.31%	+14.60%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-26.31%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-26.31%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-26.31%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.88%	-24.32%	+20.44%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.03%	-7.73%	+1.70%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.99%	11.33%	-7.34%

Volatility

RSST vs. OUNZ - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Return Stacked U.S. Stocks & Managed Futures ETF (RSST) is 5.31%, while VanEck Merk Gold ETF (OUNZ) has a volatility of 6.78%. This indicates that RSST experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than OUNZ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	RSST	OUNZ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.31%	6.78%	-1.47%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	16.98%	24.08%	-7.10%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	23.53%	27.86%	-4.33%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	24.32%	18.35%	+5.97%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.32%	16.13%	+8.19%

RSST vs. OUNZ - Expense Ratio Comparison

RSST has a 0.99% expense ratio, which is higher than OUNZ's 0.25% expense ratio.

Dividends

RSST vs. OUNZ - Dividend Comparison

RSST's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.95%, while OUNZ has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
OUNZ VanEck Merk Gold ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
RSST Return Stacked U.S. Stocks & Managed Futures ETF	0.95%	1.12%	0.09%	0.93%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both RSST and OUNZ in my portfolio?

RSST and OUNZ have a correlation of 0.42, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, RSST or OUNZ?

OUNZ has higher volatility (6.78%) compared to RSST (5.31%). In terms of maximum drawdown, RSST dropped -30.80% vs OUNZ's -26.31%.

Which ETF is better, RSST or OUNZ?

On 1-year performance, RSST leads with 39.99% vs 19.91% for OUNZ. On fees, OUNZ is cheaper at 0.25% per year. On volatility, RSST has been the lower-risk option at 5.31%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, RSST or OUNZ?

Over the 1-year period, RSST has performed better with a 39.99% return vs 19.91%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, RSST or OUNZ?

OUNZ is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.99% for RSST.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, RSST or OUNZ?

RSST has the higher dividend yield at 0.95%, compared with 0.00% for OUNZ.

What is the main difference between RSST and OUNZ?

RSST is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while OUNZ is Gold. They also come from different issuers: Return Stacked and VanEck. Their fees differ too: 0.99% for RSST and 0.25% for OUNZ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

RSST currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.71 vs 0.72), 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.