SMOG vs. GDX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

SMOG (VanEck Low Carbon Energy ETF) and GDX (VanEck Gold Miners ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SMOG is a Alternative Energy Equities fund tracking the MVIS Global Low Carbon Energy Index, while GDX is a Gold fund tracking the NYSE MarketVector Global Gold Miners Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, SMOG returned 12.70%/yr vs 13.98%/yr for GDX. At a 0.28 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. SMOG charges 0.61%/yr vs 0.51%/yr for GDX.

Performance

SMOG vs. GDX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in VanEck Low Carbon Energy ETF (SMOG) 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, SMOG achieves a 18.16% return, which is significantly higher than GDX's -0.90% return. Over the past 10 years, SMOG has underperformed GDX with an annualized return of 12.70%, while GDX has yielded a comparatively higher 13.98% annualized return.

SMOG

• 1D: -1.20%
• 1M: 0.08%
• YTD: 18.16%
• 6M: 17.43%
• 1Y: 42.14%
• 3Y*: 10.86%
• 5Y*: 1.76%
• 10Y*: 12.70%

GDX

• 1D: -3.46%
• 1M: -0.76%
• YTD: -0.90%
• 6M: 5.62%
• 1Y: 61.27%
• 3Y*: 41.00%
• 5Y*: 18.69%
• 10Y*: 13.98%

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

SMOG vs. GDX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SMOG VanEck Low Carbon Energy ETF	18.16%	33.36%	-9.33%	1.42%	-29.92%	-2.75%	118.38%	38.86%	-10.18%	22.69%
GDX VanEck Gold Miners ETF	-0.90%	154.77%	10.63%	9.98%	-9.01%	-9.52%	23.66%	39.84%	-8.77%	11.99%

Correlation

The correlation between SMOG and GDX is 0.44, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.44
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.40
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.35
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.24
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 10, 2007	0.28

The correlation between SMOG and GDX shifts across timeframes, from 0.24 (10 years) to 0.44 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

SMOG vs. GDX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SMOG	GDX
Utilities	33.2%	-
Industrials	28.1%	-
Consumer Cyclical	21.7%	-
Technology	8.4%	-
Energy	6.6%	-
Basic Materials	1.2%	100.0%
Financial Services	0.6%	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-

Return for Risk

SMOG vs. GDX — Risk / Return Rank

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

SMOG

SMOG Risk / Return Rank: 66
SMOG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 62
SMOG Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
SMOG Omega Ratio Rank: 56
SMOG Calmar Ratio Rank: 86
SMOG Martin Ratio Rank: 73

GDX

GDX Risk / Return Rank: 35
GDX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 37
GDX Sortino Ratio Rank: 32
GDX Omega Ratio Rank: 36
GDX Calmar Ratio Rank: 39
GDX Martin Ratio Rank: 33

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.

SMOG vs. GDX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for VanEck Low Carbon Energy ETF (SMOG) 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.

	SMOG	GDX	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	2.07	1.35	+0.72
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.69	1.76	+0.93
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.25	+0.10
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.80	2.00	+2.80
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	13.62	5.13	+8.49
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

SMOG vs. GDX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SMOG Sharpe Ratio is 2.07, which is higher than the GDX Sharpe Ratio of 1.35. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SMOG 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.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	SMOG	GDX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.07	1.35	+0.72
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.07	0.52	-0.45
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.50	0.38	+0.12
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.07	0.13	-0.06

Drawdowns

SMOG vs. GDX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SMOG drawdown since its inception was -84.39%, which is greater than GDX's maximum drawdown of -80.34%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SMOG and GDX.

Drawdown Indicators

	SMOG	GDX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-84.39%	-80.34%	-4.05%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.82%	-30.84%	+22.02%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-28.72%	-30.84%	+2.12%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-47.86%	-46.51%	-1.35%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-51.10%	-49.79%	-1.31%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-14.61%	-26.62%	+12.01%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-52.47%	-40.43%	-12.04%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.10%	11.99%	-8.89%

Volatility

SMOG vs. GDX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for VanEck Low Carbon Energy ETF (SMOG) is 7.43%, while VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX) has a volatility of 15.40%. This indicates that SMOG 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

	SMOG	GDX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.43%	15.40%	-7.97%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.46%	37.50%	-22.04%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.49%	45.49%	-25.00%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	25.12%	36.39%	-11.27%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	25.73%	37.18%	-11.45%

SMOG vs. GDX - Expense Ratio Comparison

SMOG has a 0.61% expense ratio, which is higher than GDX's 0.51% expense ratio.

Dividends

SMOG vs. GDX - Dividend Comparison

SMOG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.33%, more than GDX's 0.74% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GDX VanEck Gold Miners ETF	0.74%	0.74%	1.19%	1.61%	1.66%	1.67%	0.53%	0.67%	0.50%	0.76%	0.26%	0.85%
SMOG VanEck Low Carbon Energy ETF	1.33%	1.57%	1.64%	1.58%	1.32%	0.44%	0.06%	0.00%	0.62%	1.25%	2.12%	0.56%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SMOG and GDX in my portfolio?

SMOG and GDX have a correlation of 0.44, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SMOG or GDX?

GDX has higher volatility (15.40%) compared to SMOG (7.43%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SMOG dropped -84.39% vs GDX's -80.34%.

Which ETF is better, SMOG or GDX?

On 10-year performance, GDX leads with 13.98% vs 12.70% for SMOG. On fees, GDX is cheaper at 0.51% per year. On volatility, SMOG has been the lower-risk option at 7.43%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SMOG or GDX?

Over the 10-year period, GDX has performed better with a 13.98% return vs 12.70%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SMOG or GDX?

GDX is cheaper with a 0.51% expense ratio, compared with 0.61% for SMOG.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SMOG or GDX?

SMOG has the higher dividend yield at 1.33%, compared with 0.74% for GDX.

What is the main difference between SMOG and GDX?

SMOG is categorized as Alternative Energy Equities, while GDX is Gold. SMOG tracks MVIS Global Low Carbon Energy Index, while GDX tracks NYSE MarketVector Global Gold Miners Index. Their fees differ too: 0.61% for SMOG and 0.51% for GDX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SMOG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.07 vs 1.35), 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.